Packaging unit comprising an absorbent hygienic article

Abstract

A packaging unit comprising: an absorbent hygienic article, a sheet of wrapping material and a first layer of sealing material. The sheet has an inner side and an outer side, two opposing first longitudinal edges and two opposing first transversal edges. The sheet of wrapping material is foldable towards the inner side along two folding lines perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The first layer is applied according to a pattern on one or more first surfaces covering at least a part of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material along the two opposing first longitudinal edges. The pattern is repetitive and uniformly distributed over the one or more first surfaces. The pattern comprises elements of sealing material and uncoated parts. The one or more first surfaces are arranged so that in a folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces cover a full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges.

Description

[0001] PACKAGING UNIT COMPRISING AN ABSORBENT HYGIENIC ARTICLE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present application relates to a packaging unit comprising an absorbent hygienic article.

[0004] Disposable hygienic articles, such as sanitary napkins and panty liners, can be individually packaged in a wrapper of thin plastic film material. Individual packages enable hygienic carrying of the disposable hygienic articles for example in a bag or pocket. The packaging may be used both as a means for protecting an unused article against contamination and as a means for disposal of a used article. It is desirable that used disposable hygienic articles can be disposed of discretely and hygienically, especially when the user may lack the possibility to discard the used article immediately after the used article has been replaced. The packaging may be usually folded in a two-fold and sealed along the edges to protect the article before use, that is, to keep it hygienic before use. The packaging may also function to protect an adhesive layer which may be necessary to affix the article to a garment. The adhesive layer may be applied on the garment side of the disposable hygienic article.

[0005] WO 2017 / 065661 A1 discloses a packaging unit comprising a sheet of packaging material and a disposable hygienic article.

[0006] Hygienic articles create challenges in management of waste after use. Even though there are prior art solutions for individual packages for disposable hygienic articles, there is still a need for a packaging that can be used both for packaging a new hygienic article and for hygienic keeping and discarding of the used hygienic article, and that can protect an adhesive layer of the hygiene article while addressing the waste management challenges.

[0007] The individual packages for disposable hygienic articles have conventionally been of materials comprising plastics. There is however a need for plastic-free and sustainable solutions that are still discrete and keep the article hygienic before use, and at reasonable cost. of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the abovementioned need. This object, as well as other objects being apparent to a skilled person studying the present description, may be achieved by a packaging unit comprising an absorbent hygienic article, and a sheet of wrapping material comprising natural fibers. The sheet has an inner side and an outer side, two opposing first longitudinal edges and two opposing first transversal edges. The sheet of wrapping material is foldable towards the inner side along two folding lines perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sheet. The two folding lines define a middle portion of the sheet, a first flap on one end of the middle portion and a second flap on the other end of the middle portion.

[0009] In a folded configuration, the sheet of wrapping material is folded towards the inner side along the two folding lines. The folded sheet of wrapping material has two opposing second longitudinal edges between two opposing second transversal edges.

[0010] The packaging unit also comprises a first layer of sealing material to seal the packaging unit. The first layer is applied according to a pattern on one or more first surfaces. The one or more first surfaces cover at least a part of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material along the two opposing first longitudinal edges.

[0011] The pattern is repetitive and uniformly distributed over the one or more first surfaces. The pattern comprises elements of sealing material and uncoated parts.

[0012] The one or more first surfaces are arranged so that in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces cover a full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges.

[0013] It has thus been found that the packaging unit as disclosed herein provides a sustainable solution to the above-mentioned needs, which may be manufactured more effectively.

[0014] By first layer of sealing material being applied according to the pattern comprising uncoated parts over the one or more first surfaces, the packaging unit may be manufactured more sustainably and with lower cost, as less material, e.g., sealing material, may be required to manufacture the product, while still achieving strong sealing of the packaging unit by having the one or more first surfaces arranged so that in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces cover a full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges.

[0015] Moreover, by the packaging unit comprising the sheet of wrapping material comprising the natural fibers, the packaging unit provides a sustainable solution to the above-mentioned needs.

[0016] The full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges may be understood as, for each of the two opposing second longitudinal edges, from one longitudinal end of the respective second longitudinal edge, to the other longitudinal end of the respective second longitudinal edge.

[0017] The absorbent hygienic article may be a sanitary napkin, incontinence protector or panty liner. The absorbent hygienic article may be disposable. Any absorbent hygienic article may be used in the packaging unit disclosed herein.

[0018] The natural fibers may originate from wood, non-wood plant material, and combinations thereof. The natural fibers may be natural cellulosic fibers, preferably wood fibers, wheat straw fibers or bamboo fibers, more preferably wood fibers.

[0019] The wood fibers or wood pulp may originate from hardwood or softwood, including birch, beech, aspen such as European aspen, alder, eucalyptus, maple, acacia, mixed tropical hardwood, pine such as loblolly pine, fir, hemlock, larch, spruce such as Black spruce or Norway spruce, and mixtures thereof. Suitably fibers or pulp originating from eucalyptus or pine is used.

[0020] Non-wood plant material, such as seed hair fibers, leaf fibers, bast fibers, plant fibers can be provided from e.g. straws of grain crops, wheat straw, reed canary grass, sabai grass, straw, reeds, flax, hemp, kenaf, jute, ramie, seed, sisal, abaca, coir, bamboo, bagasse, cotton kapok, milkweed floss fibers, pineapple leaf fibers, cotton, rice, reed, esparto grass, Phalaris arundinacea, or combinations thereof.

[0021] Any combinations of wood pulp and non-wood plant material may be used.

[0022] The wrapping material may be made of one kind of fibers or a mix of different fibers, e.g. natural fibers and reinforcing fibers. Natural fibers referred to herein may also be semi-synthetic fiber such as viscose or Lyocell. The natural fibers may be regenerated. For example, the natural fibers may be regenerated cellulose fibers. The regenerated cellulose fibers may be manmade cellulosic fibers, preferably manmade fibers formed of cellulose of natural origin, more preferably manmade fibers formed of cellulose that has not been chemically modified, such as viscose, rayon or lyocell

[0023] These fibers may be understood to offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

[0024] The wrapping material may comprise 50 to 100 wt%, preferably 70 to 100 wt%, more preferably 85 to 100 wt% of the natural fibers.

[0025] The wrapping material may comprise 50 to 99 wt%, preferably 70 to 99 wt%, more preferably 85 to 99 wt%, of the natural fibers and 1 to 50 wt%, preferably 1 to 30 wt%, more preferably 1 to 15 wt%, of reinforcing fibers.

[0026] The reinforcing fibers may be selected from polylactide (PLA) fibers, glycolic acid polymer (PGA) fibers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, bicomponent fibers comprising thermoplastic polymers, non-wood natural fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers, and combinations thereof. Bicomponent fibers are comprised of two polymers of different chemical and / or physical properties, extruded from the same spinneret with both polymers in the same filament. The non-wood natural fibers originate from nonwood plant materials as described above.

[0027] The reinforcing fibers may be manmade cellulosic fibers, preferably manmade fibers formed of cellulose of natural origin, more preferably manmade fibers formed of cellulose that has not been chemically modified, such as viscose, rayon or lyocell, most preferably viscose. Alternatively, the reinforcing fibers may be manmade fibers formed of cellulose that has been chemically modified.

[0028] The reinforcement fibers, having a greater length-weighted average fibre length than the natural fibers, add flexibility, stretch, strength and functional properties, to the sheet of wrapping material.

[0029] The natural fibers and reinforcing fibers may be randomly oriented.

[0030] The wrapping material may further comprise a binder selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl acetate dispersions, ethyl vinyl alcohol dispersions, polyurethane dispersions, acrylic latexes, styrene butadiene dispersions, binders based on finely divided cellulose, binders based on cellulose derivatives, biopolymers and combinations thereof, preferably acrylic latexes. In some examples, the wrapping material may comprise a resin binder.

[0031] The wrapping material may further comprise 0.1 to 10 wt% of a foaming agent.

[0032] The sheet of wrapping material may have a basis weight of 10 to 50 g / m2, preferably 15 to 30 g / m2.

[0033] With the proviso the one or more first surfaces may cover a smaller area in one of the first flap and the second flap than in the other, the packaging unit may be folded into the folded configuration first from the one of the first flap and the second flap having the one or more first surfaces cover the smaller area.

[0034] The elements and uncoated parts may be present in the repetitive pattern in a respective first surface, of the one or more first surfaces, on each of the middle portion and at least one of the first flap and the second flap.

[0035] The elements of sealing material may be arranged such that at least a portion of an element of sealing material may be present along any transversal line of the one or more first surfaces.

[0036] The repetitive pattern may be comprised of a plurality of repeated units of sealing material with uncoated parts between two adjacent repeated units.

[0037] In the folded configuration, the packaging unit may be air-tight as a result of the uncoated parts between two adjacent repeated units being arranged to have a size preventing the formation of an air pocket. This may enable the absorbent hygienic article to be fully sealed and protected in the packaging unit.

[0038] In an unfolded configuration, at least a first section along the two opposing first longitudinal edges of the wrap may be free of the one or more first surfaces in one or more of: the first flap, the second flap and the middle portion. That is, the at least first section may be a gap in the application of the pattern. This may enable that the packaging unit may be manufactured even more sustainably and with even lower cost, as less material, e.g., sealing material, may be required to manufacture the product, while still achieving strong sealing of the packaging unit by having the one or more first surfaces arranged so that in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces cover the full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges.

[0039] The one or more first surfaces may be arranged on the first flap and the middle portion of the sheet. In the folded configuration, a first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap may overlap a second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion. This may enable that the packaging unit may be manufactured even more sustainably and with even lower cost, as less material, e.g., sealing material, may be required to manufacture the product, while still achieving strong sealing of the packaging unit by having the one or more first surfaces arranged so that in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces cover the full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges.

[0040] That the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap may overlap the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion may be understood to mean that the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap may form a stack with the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion.

[0041] The pattern may be arranged such that in the folded configuration, the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap overlaps the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion to form a full seal.

[0042] The pattern may be arranged such that in the folded configuration, the elements of sealing material on the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap overlap the uncoated parts of the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion to form a full seal.

[0043] The full seal may be air-tight.

[0044] At least one of the one or more first surfaces may be arranged such that, in the folded configuration, said at least one of the one or more first surfaces is arranged adjacent to a first folding line of the two folding lines, on the first flap or the middle portion.

[0045] The first folding line may be the folding line by which the packaging unit may be folded first.

[0046] At least another one of the one or more first surfaces may be arranged such that, in the folded configuration, said at least another one of the one or more first surfaces is arranged adjacent a second folding line of the two folding lines, on the first flap or the middle portion.

[0047] The second folding line may be the folding line by which the packaging unit may be folded second, after the packaging unit may have been folded by the first folding line.

[0048] In the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces of the second flap and the middle portion may cover the entire longitudinal edge of the middle portion. This may enable that there may be heat-seal along the entire inner fold in the folded configuration.

[0049] The sealing material may be a heat-sealable material.

[0050] The heat sealable material may be a thermoplastic adhesive, which may be commonly referred to as ’’hot melt adhesive” and / or overlacquer.

[0051] The seal may be achieved by means of a heat weld.

[0052] The elements may be one of: discrete and non-discrete.

[0053] The elements of sealing material may cover at least 25% of any of the one or more first surfaces, preferably at least 50 % of the one or more first surfaces. The elements of sealing material may cover at least 25% of each of the one or more first surfaces, preferably at least 50 % of each of the one or more first surfaces.

[0054] One or more of the following may apply. According to one option, the elements may comprise one or more edges, and the one or more edges may be non-circular. The elements may have a shape. The shape may be square, rectangular, or triangular.

[0055] According to another option, the elements may have an elongated shape.

[0056] The elongated shape may be rectangular.

[0057] The packaging unit may comprise a second layer of releasing material to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to the sheet of wrapping material. The second layer may be arranged onto a second surface of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material. The second surface may be smaller than the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material, and may be arranged in a central portion of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material. The second surface may have a larger size than a size of the absorbent hygienic article.

[0058] The second surface may have two third longitudinal edges and two third transversal edges.

[0059] When the packaging unit may be opened and the sheet of wrapping material may be removed, the absorbent hygienic article maybe released from the second layer, and the article may then be ready to be placed on a garment.

[0060] The absorbent hygienic article may have a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side may have an adhesive coating to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to a garment of a user. The adhesive coating may be arranged to be releasably attached to the releasing material to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to the sheet of wrapping material. When the packaging may be opened and the sheet of wrapping material may be removed, the adhesive coating may be exposed so that the article may be ready to be affixed to the garment.

[0061] The adhesive coating may cover all or part(s) of an outer surface, i.e., a garment-facing surface, of the disposable hygiene article, for example in the form of stripes across said surface.

[0062] The releasing material may comprise silicone.

[0063] The silicone may be, for example in the form of a polyorganosiloxane- polyamide copolymer or a polydimethylsiloxane-urea copolymer. A primer may be present between the sheet of wrapping material and the second layer of releasing material.

[0064] It may be noted that the second surface may refer to a single surface. In other examples, the second surface may refer to different surfaces. That is, the second surface may be divided in different parts or sections on the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material.

[0065] The second surface may have an elongated shape, and may have two second longitudinal edges, and two second transversal edges.

[0066] The second surface may have a larger size than a size of the absorbent hygienic article.

[0067] The uncoated parts may be understood to be uncoated by the sealing material and the releasing material. That is, devoid of any sealing material and any releasing material.

[0068] A layer may be understood herein as an application of a material or coating. A layer may not have to be constituted by a continuous coating, but may consist of two or more coated areas. The sheet of wrapping material may have four first surfaces. The one or more first surfaces may be free of the second layer.

[0069] The one or more first surfaces may cover at least a portion of the four corners of the sheet of wrapping material. In at least the four corners, the one or more first surfaces may be free of the second layer.

[0070] The inner side the sheet of wrapping material may have one or more third surfaces that may be free of the pattern and of the second layer.

[0071] A first portion free of the first layer may be arranged in a first transversal middle section of the sheet of wrapping material from one first longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge on the opposing side.

[0072] A second portion free of the first layer may be arranged in a first longitudinal middle section of the sheet of wrapping material from one first transversal edge to the first transversal edge on the opposing side.

[0073] The sheet of wrapping material may comprise the first portion free of the first layer and the second portion free of the first layer.

[0074] The sheet of wrapping material comprising the first portion free of the first layer and the second portion free of the first layer may comprise four third surfaces arranged to be adjacent to the full extent of the two third transversal edges, on both sides of the second surface and adjacent to a middle section of the two third longitudinal edges on both sides of the second surface.

[0075] Each of the four first surfaces may be arranged on a respective corner of the sheet of wrapping material. Each of the four first surfaces may extend from a respective first longitudinal edge, to a nearest edge of the first longitudinal middle section and the nearest third longitudinal edge and from a respective first transversal edge to a nearest edge of the first transversal middle section.

[0076] The first transversal middle section may extend, longitudinally, with a same length as the third longitudinal edges, and from one first longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge on the opposing side.

[0077] The sheet of wrapping material may be devoid of the one or more third surfaces. The second surface may extend from one first longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge on the opposing side. The sheet of wrapping material may have two first surfaces. Each of the first surfaces may extend from all of the extent of one respective first transversal edge to all of the extent of the nearest third transversal edge.

[0078] In some examples wherein at least a first section along the two opposing first longitudinal edges of the wrap may be free of the one or more first surfaces in one or more of: the first flap, the second flap and the middle portion, the second flap may be free of the one or more first surfaces.

[0079] In some examples wherein at least a first section along the two opposing first longitudinal edges of the wrap may be free of the one or more first surfaces in one or more of: the first flap, the second flap and the middle portion, a first section in the middle portion and another first section in the second flap may free of the one or more first surfaces.

[0080] In some examples, the elements may be rectangular and have an elongated shape. The elements as well as the uncoated parts may be rectangular and have an elongated shape.

[0081] In some examples, the elements may be triangular and the uncoated parts may be rectangular, have an elongated shape and may be arranged in horizontal rows.

[0082] In some examples, the elements as well as the uncoated parts may be rectangular, have an elongated shape and may be arranged diagonally in parallel.

[0083] In some examples, the elements may be rectangular, overlapping, and arranged diagonally in a single row, and the uncoated parts may be triangular.

[0084] The uncoated parts may all have the same size or different sizes in different locations.

[0085] In general, the usage of “first” and / or “second” herein may be understood to be an arbitrary way to denote different elements, and may be understood to not confer a cumulative or chronological character to the nouns they modify.

[0086] Brief description of the drawings

[0087] Figure 1 illustrates in panel a) a top view of an exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein, and in panel b) a top view of the exemplary packaging unit after folding and sealing.

[0088] Figure 2 is a top view of another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein.

[0089] Figure 3 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein.

[0090] Figure 4 is a top view of another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein.

[0091] Figure 5 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein.

[0092] Figure 6 is a top view of another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein. Figure 7 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein.

[0093] Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. Figure 9 is a top view of another exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. Figure 10 is a top view of yet another exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. Figure 11 is a top view of a further exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. Figure 12 illustrates folding of an exemplary packaging unit.

[0094] Detailed description

[0095] Figure 1 shows a top view of an exemplary packaging unit 1 , according to examples herein. Panel a) of Figure 1 shows the packaging unit 1 in an unfolded configuration. The packaging unit 1 comprises an absorbent hygienic article 2. The packaging unit 1 further comprises a sheet of wrapping material 3 comprising natural fibers. The sheet has an inner side 4 and an outer side 5, two opposing first longitudinal edges 6, 7 and two opposing first transversal edges 8, 9, the sheet of wrapping material 3 being foldable towards the inner side 4 along two folding lines 10 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sheet, the two folding lines 10 defining a middle portion 11 of the sheet, a first flap 12 on one end of the middle portion 11 and a second flap 13 on the other end of the middle portion 11. In the folded configuration, shown in panel b) of Figure 1 , the sheet of wrapping material is folded towards the inner side 4 along the two folding lines 10, and the folded sheet of wrapping material has two opposing second longitudinal edges 14, 15 between two opposing second transversal edges 16, 17. The packaging unit 1 also comprises a first layer of sealing material to seal the packaging unit. As depicted in panel a) of Figure 1 , the first layer is applied according to a pattern on one or more first surfaces 18 covering at least a part of the inner side 4 of the sheet of wrapping material 3 along the two opposing first longitudinal edges 6, 7. The pattern is repetitive and uniformly distributed over the one or more first surfaces 18. The pattern comprises elements of sealing material 19 and uncoated parts 20. The one or more first surfaces 18 are arranged so that in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces 18 cover a full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges 14, 15. The packaging unit 1 also comprises a second layer of releasing material to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to the sheet of wrapping material. The second layer is arranged onto a second surface 21 of the inner side 4 of the sheet of wrapping material 3. The second surface 21 is smaller than the inner side 4 of the sheet of wrapping material 3, and is arranged in a central portion of the inner side 4 of the sheet of wrapping material 3. The second surface 21 has two third longitudinal edges 22, 23 and two third transversal edges 24, 25. The example depicted in Figure 1 has four first surfaces 18. The one or more first surfaces cover at least a portion of the four corners 26, 27, 28, 29 of the sheet of wrapping material 3. In at least the four corners 26, 27, 28, 29, the one or more first surfaces are free of the second layer. The inner side 4 the sheet of wrapping material 3 has one or more third surfaces 30 that are free of the first layer, and therefore, of the elements of sealing material 19 and uncoated parts 20 of the pattern, and of the second layer. A first portion free of the first layer is arranged in a first transversal middle section 31 of the sheet of wrapping material 3 from one first longitudinal edge 6 to the first longitudinal edge on the opposing side 7. A second portion free of the first layer is arranged in a first longitudinal middle section 32 of the sheet of wrapping material 3 from one first transversal edge 8 to the first transversal edge 9 on the opposing side. The sheet of wrapping material 3 comprises the first portion free of the first layer and the second portion free of the first layer. The sheet of wrapping material 3 comprising the first portion free of the first layer and the second portion free of the first layer comprises four third surfaces 30 arranged to be adjacent to the full extent of the two third transversal edges 24, 25, on both sides of the second surface 21 and adjacent to a middle section of the two third longitudinal edges 22, 23 on both sides of the second surface 21 . Each of the four first surfaces 18 is arranged on a corner of the sheet of wrapping material 3. Each of the four first surfaces 18 extends from a respective first longitudinal edge 6, 7, to a nearest edge of the first longitudinal middle section 32 and the nearest third longitudinal edge 22, 23 and from a respective first transversal edge 8, 9 to a nearest edge of the first transversal middle section 31 .

[0096] Panel b) of Figure 1 depicts, without showing the absorbent hygienic article enclosed by the packaging, the packaging unit 1 after folding of the packaging unit in an overlapping configuration and after overlapping regions of the packaging have been joined by the sealing material via heat sealing in the one or more first surfaces 18.

[0097] In may be understood that usage of the reference numbers used in Fig. 1 in describing other Figures herein, may be understood to refer to the same elements already mentioned in relation to Fig. 1.

[0098] In any of Figure 1 a), Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6, the packaging unit may be understood to be folded first from the bottom. That is, the first folding line may be understood to correspond to the folding line 10 depicted at the bottom of the respective figure, and the second folding line may be understood to correspond to the folding line 10 depicted at the top of the respective figure. In other words, the inner side of the second flap 13 is folded towards the inner side of the middle portion 11 , and the inner side of the first flap 12 is folded against the outer side of the second flap 12 which has already been folded.

[0099] In Figure 1a, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 the entire longitudinal edge of the middle portion 11 may be understood to be covered by at least a set of the one or more first surfaces 18 in the folded configuration.

[0100] Figure 2 is a top view of another exemplary packaging unit 1 , according to examples herein. The example depicted in Figure 2 has a similar description as that in Figure 1. In the non-limiting example in Figure 2, however, the first transversal middle section 31 extends, longitudinally, beyond the folding lines 10 on each of the first flap 12 and the second flap 13, and from one first longitudinal edge 6 to the first longitudinal edge on the opposing side 7. In the unfolded configuration, at least a first section along the two opposing first longitudinal edges 6, 7 of the wrap is free of the one or more first surfaces in: the first flap 12, the second flap 13 and the middle portion 11.

[0101] Figure 3 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit 1 , according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the sheet of wrapping material 3 is devoid of the one or more third surfaces 30. The second surface 21 extends from one first longitudinal edge 6 to the first longitudinal edge on the opposing side 7. The sheet of wrapping material 3 has two first surfaces 18. Each of the first surfaces 18 extends from all of the extent of one respective first transversal edge 8, 9 to all of the extent of the nearest third transversal edge 24, 25.

[0102] The skilled person will understand that the pattern disclosed herein may be used in one or more first surfaces in arrangements, in accordance with embodiments herein, other than those depicted in Figures 1-7.

[0103] In Figures 1-7, the shape of the elements 19, as well as of the uncoated parts 20 is rectangular. The skilled person will understand that in any of Figures 1-7, the elements 19, as well as of the uncoated parts 20 may have a different shape than that depicted in the particular examples depicted.

[0104] Figure 4 is a top view of another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the elements and uncoated parts are present in the repetitive pattern in a respective first surface, of the one or more first surfaces, on each of the middle portion and the first flap 12. The one or more first surfaces are arranged on the first flap 12 and the middle portion 11 of the sheet 3, and in the folded configuration, a first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap 12 overlaps a second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion 11 . The pattern is arranged such that in the folded configuration, the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap 12 overlaps the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion 11 to form a full seal. The pattern is arranged such that in the folded configuration, the elements of sealing material on the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap overlap the uncoated parts of the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion to form a full seal. The pattern may also be understood to be arranged such that in the folded configuration, the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion 11 covers the first section in the second flap 13 that is free of the one or more first surfaces, so that in the folded configuration, the pattern may be present along the full extent of the two opposing second longitudinal edges 14, 15, so that a proper seal may be achieved. The second flap 13 may be understood to be folded inward before the first flap 12.

[0105] Figure 5 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, a first section in the middle portion 11 and another first section in the second flap 13 are free of the one or more first surfaces. The pattern may be understood to be arranged such that in the folded configuration, a third set of the one or more first surfaces on the second flap 13, which second flap 13 may be understood to be folded inward before the first flap 12, covers the first section in the middle portion 11 that is free of the one or more first surfaces. In the folded configuration, the pattern may be present along the full extent of the two opposing second longitudinal edges 14, 15, so that a proper seal may be achieved.

[0106] Figure 6 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the middle portion 11 is free of the one or more first surfaces.

[0107] Figure 7 is a top view of yet another exemplary packaging unit, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, a first section in the middle portion 11 , another first section in the first flap 12, and yet another first section in the second flap 13 are free of the one or more first surfaces.

[0108] All Figures 1-7 show examples of embodiments herein with one set of the one or more first surfaces arranged at the corners 26, 27 of the sheet of wrapping material on the first flap. This may be understood to be beneficial if the first flap is folded after the second flap, as it may be understood to allow the first transversal edge 8 to be sealed to the outer surface of the second flap, thereby avoiding the first transversal edge 8 to be loose and floppy in the folded and sealed configuration. In other examples the corners 26, 27 of the sheet of wrapping material on the inner side of the first flap may be free of the one or more first surfaces, that is, there may be no sealing material present. Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the elements 19 are rectangular and have an elongated shape. In this non-limiting example, the elements 19 as well as the uncoated parts 20 are rectangular and have an elongated shape.

[0109] Figure 9 is a top view of another exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the elements 19 are triangular and the uncoated parts 20 are rectangular, have an elongated shape and are arranged in horizontal rows.

[0110] Figure 10 is a top view of a further exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the elements 19 as well as the uncoated parts 20 are rectangular, have an elongated shape and are arranged diagonally in parallel.

[0111] Figure 11 is a top view of yet another exemplary pattern, according to examples herein. In this non-limiting example, the elements 19 are rectangular, overlapping, and arranged diagonally in a single row, and the uncoated parts 20 are triangular.

[0112] The skilled person will understand that the pattern, in accordance with embodiments herein, may have arrangements other than those depicted in Figures 8- 11.

[0113] Figure 12 illustrates, without showing the absorbent hygienic article that is attached to the packaging, how the packaging unit 1 is folded along the two folding lines 10 with the first flap 12, the middle portion 11 and the second flap 13 in an overlapping configuration. As indicated in Figure 12, the second flap 13 may be understood to be folded inward before the first flap 12.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A packaging unit comprising: an absorbent hygienic article, a sheet of wrapping material comprising natural fibers, the sheet having an inner side and an outer side, two opposing first longitudinal edges and two opposing first transversal edges, the sheet of wrapping material being foldable towards the inner side along two folding lines perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sheet, the two folding lines defining a middle portion of the sheet, a first flap on one end of the middle portion and a second flap on the other end of the middle portion, wherein in a folded configuration, the sheet of wrapping material is folded towards the inner side along the two folding lines, and the folded sheet of wrapping material has two opposing second longitudinal edges between two opposing second transversal edges, a first layer of sealing material to seal the packaging unit, the first layer being applied according to a pattern on one or more first surfaces covering at least a part of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material along the two opposing first longitudinal edges, wherein the pattern is repetitive and uniformly distributed over the one or more first surfaces, the pattern comprising elements of sealing material and uncoated parts, and wherein the one or more first surfaces are arranged so that in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces cover a full extent of at least the two opposing second longitudinal edges.

2. The packaging unit according to claim 1 , wherein the elements and uncoated parts are present in the repetitive pattern in a respective first surface, of the one or more first surfaces, on each of the middle portion and at least one of the first flap and the second flap.

3. The packaging unit according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the repetitive pattern is comprised of a plurality of repeated units of sealing material, with uncoated parts between two adjacent repeated units.

4. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, in an unfolded configuration, at least a first section along the two opposing first longitudinal edges of the wrap is free of the one or more first surfaces in one or more of: the first flap, the second flap and the middle portion.

5. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more first surfaces are arranged on the first flap and the middle portion of the sheet, and wherein in the folded configuration, a first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap overlaps a second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion.

6. The packaging unit according to claim 5, wherein the pattern is arranged such that in the folded configuration, the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap overlaps the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion to form a full seal.

7. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the pattern is arranged such that in the folded configuration, the elements of sealing material on the first set of the one or more first surfaces on the first flap overlap the uncoated parts of the second set of the one or more first surfaces on the middle portion to form a full seal.

8. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein the full seal is air-tight.

9. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the one or more first surfaces is arranged such that, in the folded configuration, said at least one of the one or more first surfaces is arranged adjacent to a first folding line of the two folding lines, on the first flap or the middle portion.

10. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein at least another one of the one or more first surfaces is arranged such that, in the folded configuration, said at least another one of the one or more first surfaces is arranged adjacent a second folding line of the two folding lines, on the first flap or the middle portion.1711. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein in the folded configuration, the one or more first surfaces of the second flap and the middle portion cover the entire longitudinal edge of the middle portion.

12. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the sealing material is a heat-sealable material.

13. The packaging unit according to claim 12, wherein the seal is achieved by means of a heat weld.

14. The packaging unit of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the elements are one of: discrete and non-discrete.

15. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the elements of sealing material cover at least 25% of any of the one or more first surfaces, preferably at least 50 % of any of the one or more first surfaces.

16. The packaging unit of any one of claims 1-15, wherein one or more of: a. the elements comprise one or more edges, and wherein the one or more edges are non-circular, and b. the elements have an elongated shape.

17. The packaging unit of any one of claims 1-16, further comprising: a second layer of releasing material to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to the sheet of wrapping material, the second layer being arranged onto a second surface of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material, wherein the second surface is smaller than the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material, and is arranged in a central portion of the inner side of the sheet of wrapping material.

18. The packaging unit according to claim 17, wherein the releasing material comprises silicone.

19. The packaging unit according to any one of claims 17-18, wherein the absorbent hygienic article has a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottomside has an adhesive coating to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to a garment of a user, and wherein the adhesive coating is arranged to be releasably attached to the releasing material to releasably attach the absorbent hygienic article to the sheet of wrapping material.

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