Food product with carton packaging for improved stackability

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a food product (100) comprising a plurality of food containers (10), each containing a dairy or plant-based composition and having a polymeric hollow body (11) and a lid (12). The food product includes a carton packaging with a surrounding belt (20) that at least partially surrounds the food containers. The surrounding belt comprises at least one load transmitting portion (Lt) with a top portion and a bottom portion. The load transmitting portion is configured to receive a top load (TL) applied to the food product at the top portion and transmit it via the bottom portion to a ground surface (200) or another food product below. This configuration enables improved stackability and efficient load distribution for the food product.

Description

FOOD PRODUCT WITH CARTON PACKAGING FOR IMPROVED STACKABILITY FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to food packaging, and more particularly to a food product comprising food containers and a carton packaging configured to improve stackability and structural integrity.BACKGROUND

[0002] Food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving and protecting food products during storage, transportation, and retail display. For dairy and plant-based products such as yogurt, packaging must not only maintain product freshness and quality but also provide convenience for consumers. Traditional packaging for such products often consists of individual plastic containers grouped together in multipacks.

[0003] The use of plastic packaging for food products has raised environmental concerns due to its impact on waste management and recycling systems. Many consumers and regulatory bodies are pushing for more sustainable packaging solutions that reduce plastic usage while maintaining product integrity. Additionally, the food industry is constantly seeking ways to improve packaging efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance brand visibility on store shelves.

[0004] Current multi-pack designs for yogurt and similar products often rely on a carton sheet surrounding the top face, the bottom face and two lateral sides to bundle individual containers together. While these methods are cost-effective, they present several challenges. When the food products are stacked, the carton sheet provides no top-load resistance, which is fully transmitted to ground reference by the food containers. Furthermore, these packaging solutions often provide limited protection against damage (such as mechanical stress or light exposure through the two uncovered lateral sides) during transportation and handling, potentially leading to product waste.

[0005] Stacking and storing multi-packs of yogurt or similar products can be problematic in retail environments and during transportation. The lack of rigid structural support in many current packaging designs can result in unstable stacks,making it difficult to efficiently utilize shelf and storage space. This instability can also lead to products falling or becoming damaged during handling.

[0006] Many existing packaging solutions for dairy and plant-based products offer limited opportunities for branding and product information display. The small surface area of individual containers and the use of clear plastic overwraps restrict the space available for marketing messages, nutritional information, and other important details that can influence consumer purchasing decisions.

[0007] It has been appreciated that a food product with improved packaging is needed that overcomes one or more of these problems.SUMMARY

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description.

[0009] In a first aspect, a food product is provided. The food product comprises: a plurality of food containers, each comprising a polymeric hollow body and a lid closing the hollow body;a dairy or plant based composition, such as yogurt, Soy yogurt, stewed fruit, compote, to be consumed by a user and contained in the closed food containers; and a carton packaging (or a carboard packaging, or paperboard packaging), comprising at least a surrounding belt at least partially surrounding the plurality of food containers, comprising or defining at least one load transmitting portion having a top portion, a bottom portion, and extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, said at least one load transmitting portion being configured to receive at the top portion a top load applied to the food product, and to transmit, via the bottom portion, the top load (or at least a part of the top load) to a ground surface supporting the food product, or to another food product located below said food product.

[0010] This configuration provides improved structural integrity and stackability for the food product, allowing for efficient storage and transportation while protecting the food containers.

[0011] The food product may present the below features, taken individually or in combination.

[0012] In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion comprises at least one vertical (or substantially vertical) wall extending from the top portion to the bottom portion. In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion comprises at least one substantially vertical wall extending from the top portion to the bottom portion and inclined in reference to the vertical direction or in reference to the load direction by an angle of less than 12°, less than 10°, less than 7°, less than 5°, less than 3°.

[0013] In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion comprises at least one straight (or substantially straight) wall extending from the top portion to the bottom portion. In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion comprises at least one straight (or substantially straight) wall in reference to the vertical direction or in reference to the load direction, and said straight (or substantially straight) wall might be curved or angled when viewed from above. In other words said straight (or substantially straight) wall may form a corner (rounded or angled) of the surrounding belt and still acts as a load transmitting portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion is free or devoid (or substantially free or substantially devoid) from any tapered or chamfered or beveled portion between the top portion and the bottom portion. In particular, the load transmitting portion is free or devoid (or substantially free or substantially devoid) from any tapered or chamfered or beveled portion when seen from a side direction or lateral direction or horizontal direction: in a side view, the load transmitting portion is free or devoid (or substantially free or substantially devoid) from any tapered or chamfered or beveled portion.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the load transmitting portion comprises at least one straight and / or vertical (or substantially straight and / or substantially vertical) wall portion extending continuously from the top portion to the bottom portion. In other words, the at least one straight and / or vertical (or substantially straight and / or substantially vertical) wall portion directly receives the top load (by directly contacting a flange of a food container receiving the upper packaging, or by directly contacting the upper packaging applying the top load) and directly transmits the top load to the ground surface.

[0016] In an embodiment the load transmitting portion comprises at least two straight and / or vertical (or substantially straight and / or substantially vertical) wallportions extending (preferably continuously) from the top portion to the bottom portion and separated by a folded portion or a curved portion. In a preferred embodiment, said at least two straight and / or vertical (or substantially straight and / or vertical) wall portions are separated by a folded portion or a curved portion extending along a vertical (or substantially vertical) axis. One should note that if the folded portion or the curved portion is straight along vertical direction, such folded portion or such curved portion may itself act as or may be part of the load transmitting portion.

[0017] In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion comprises a material made of or comprising fibers, and the fibers are oriented in a direction which is normal or transverse to the vertical direction or transverse to the load transmitting direction. In other words, the fibers are oriented in a horizontal direction to withstand a vertical top load. In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion is made of, or comprises, or consists of carton, or cardboard or paperboard, comprising fibers such as cellulose fibers, hemicellulose fibers, lignin fibers. Said fibers may present a length ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. such fibers are typically aligned in the machine direction during manufacturing of cardboard, and the packaging is designed so as to have the fibers (machine direction) substantially aligned with horizontal direction. In particular, the surrounding belt has a length (defining the perimeter of the packaging), and the fibers are aligned with the surrounding belt length.

[0018] In an embodiment, the surrounding belt or the load transmitting portion comprises two layers of cardboard attached together (glued, tape, locked, interlocked...), so as to transmit the top load. Such attachment provides the capacity to transmit the top load, even if each of the two layers do not extend continuously from the top portion to the bottom portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the carton packaging and / or the surrounding belt and / or the load transmitting portion does not comprise corrugated cardboard. In an embodiment, the carton packaging and / or the surrounding belt and / or the load transmitting portion comprise solely flat cardboard or paperboard.

[0020] The food product may present a total height and said at least one load transmitting portion may have a height comprised between 100% of total height andtotal height, preferably comprised between 100% of total height and 97% of total height, preferably comprised between 100% of total height and 98% of total height.

[0021] This height range for the load transmitting portion ensures optimal load distribution and protection for the food containers while maintaining a compact overall design. In particular, the at least one load transmitting portion (or surrounding belt itself) may have a slightly smaller height than that of the food containers. Whith this particular slightly smaller height of said at least one load transmitting portion (or surrounding belt itself), the total height of the food product is that of the food containers, and when a top load is applied, the food containers can participate to transmit a part of the top load, while being a bit compressed with a decrease of height, leading said at least one load transmitting portion (or surrounding belt itself) to contact the top and bottom parts (i.e. an upper stacked food product and a ground surface) so as to transmit the top load.

[0022] The top portion of said at least one load transmitting portion may be located on an upper surface of the food product.

[0023] Positioning the top portion of the load transmitting portion on the upper surface of the food product allows for direct and efficient transfer of top loads to the load transmitting portion.

[0024] The carton packaging may comprise a top cover for covering at least partially an upper part of the food container.

[0025] The top cover provides additional protection for the food containers and may contribute to the overall structural integrity of the food product. The top cover offers a surface to print information, brands, logos as well.

[0026] The carton packaging may comprise coupling portions configured to receive and position mating portions of another food product stacked onto said food product.

[0027] These coupling portions provide mating zones to align food products, thus enhancing the stability of stacked food products, reducing the risk of shifting or toppling during storage and transportation.

[0028] The coupling portions may comprise upper cutouts provided onto an upper surface of the carton packaging, the upper cutouts being configured to receive abottom portion of the food containers of the other food product stacked onto said food product.

[0029] The upper cutouts provide a secure interlocking mechanism for stacked food products, improving overall stability and allowing for higher stacking arrangements.

[0030] The coupling portions may comprise lateral cutouts provided at a periphery of the carton packaging, the lateral cutouts being configured to receive male portions of the surrounding belt of the other food product stacked onto said food product.

[0031] Lateral cutouts offer additional stability and alignment for stacked food products, further enhancing the overall structural integrity of multiple stacked units.

[0032] Alternatively, the coupling portions may be defined by spaces between the food containers (typically, spacings between food containers flanges). In such case, coupling portions defined by spaces between the food containers may receive male portions or tabs of the surrounding belt of the other food product stacked onto said food product.

[0033] The surrounding belt may surround all the food containers, and / or wherein the food containers may present a container height, the surrounding belt having a belt height comprised between 100% of container height and 95% of container height, preferably comprised between 100% of container height and 96% of container height, preferably comprised between 100% of container height and 97% of container height, preferably comprised between 100% of container height and 98% of container height. In particular, the surrounding belt may surround all the lateral sides of the food containers, and / or the surrounding belt may surround all the lateral sides of the food product.

[0034] This configuration of the surrounding belt provides comprehensive protection for the food containers while maintaining an efficient and compact design.

[0035] The carton packaging may have venting cutouts, distributed onto the periphery of the surrounding belt.

[0036] Venting cutouts allow for air circulation, which can be beneficial for temperature control and moisture management especially during cooling steps of the dairy product in production plant, as well as during storage and transportation.

[0037] At least two venting cutouts may be provided onto an upper surface of the carton packaging on opposite sides of the carton packaging, and sized to allow picking of the food product by fingers of the consumer.

[0038] These venting cutouts serve a dual purpose of air circulation and providing convenient handling points for consumers.

[0039] The venting cutouts may each have a surface between 100 mm2and 500 mm2, and / or have a total venting surface between 400 mm2and 5000 mm2.

[0040] This range of venting cutout sizes balances effective air circulation with maintaining structural integrity of the carton packaging.

[0041] The food product may comprise at least one retainer to retain the food containers in the carton packaging.

[0042] The retainer ensures that the food containers remain securely positioned within the carton packaging during handling (typically made by handling the carton packaging only) and transportation.

[0043] Said at least one retainer may comprise: at least one slot, receiving a rib or a flange of at least one food container, and / or at least one glue spot, attaching at least one food container to the carton packaging, and / or at least one strip or sheet provided on the bottom of the food product, so that at least one food container is supported by said at least one strip or sheet, and / or at least one strip or sheet sandwiching a top flange of at least one food container with a top cover of the carton packaging, and / or a top edge of the surrounding belt supporting a top flange of at least one food container.

[0044] In an embodiment, the surrounding belt or more particularly the load transmitting portion supports or contacts at least a part of a top flange of at least one food container, and extends vertically down to the bottom portion, so as to bear a top load applied onto at least a part of the top flange of at least one food container and to transmit the load to the ground surface. In case of several layers of food containers stacked together in the food packaging and each having a flange, the load transmitting portion may contact a bottom surface of at least a part of the flanges, to transmit the load to the ground surface. In an embodiment, the load transmitting portion may contact a bottom surface of all the flanges, to transmit the top load to the ground surface.

[0045] In an embodiment, the carton packaging is free of or devoid from:- a top cover, or a top lid, or a top part, or a top plate covering all the food products, and / or- a bottom, or a bottom cover, or a bottom lid, or bottom part, or a bottom plate supporting or receiving all the food products. In other words, the carton packaging is not a closed box. In other words, the carton packaging is not a closed box, or the carton packaging is not an American box, or the carton packaging is not a wrap around box.

[0046] These various retainer configurations provide secure and adaptable methods for keeping the food containers in place within the carton packaging.

[0047] The carton packaging may comprise precut or weakness lines to allow easy opening or easy crushing for disposal, and / or have a thickness comprised in a range of values of from 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably of from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably of from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably of from 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably of from 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm, preferably of from 1.0 mm to 1.3 mm, preferably of from 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or comprise flat carton, in particular the surrounding belt may comprise or be made from flat carton. In particular, the surrounding belt or the load transmitting portion may have a thickness comprised in a range of values of from 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably of from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably of from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably of from 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably of from 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm, preferably of from 1.0 mm to 1.3 mm, preferably of from 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or comprise flat carton, in particular the surrounding belt may comprise or be made from flat carton.

[0048] In an embodiment, the carton packaging or the surrounding belt or the load transmitting portion may comprise or be made of kraft paper or kraft, which is paper or paperboard (cardboard) produced from chemical pulp produced in the kraft process.

[0049] In an embodiment, the carton packaging or the surrounding belt or the load transmitting portion may comprise or be made of recycled paper or recycled cardboard. In such case, the surrounding belt or the load transmitting portion may have a thickness equal or greater than 0.2 mm.

[0050] In an embodiment, the carton packaging or the surrounding belt or the load transmitting portion may present a surface weight of at least 70g / gm2, at least 75g / m2, or at least 80g / m2, at least 90 g / m2, at least 100 g / m2, at least 150 g / m2.

[0051] These features of the carton packaging enhance user convenience for opening and disposal, while the specified thickness ranges provide a balance between structural strength and material efficiency.

[0052] The carton packaging and especially the surrounding belt may comprise or act as a light shield. These features provide the capacity of avoiding light exposure of the food composition. Cooling openings may provide capacity for efficiently cool the food product, and to avoid affecting the light shielding, the cooling openings are representing less than 40% of total peripheral surface, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%.

[0053] The food containers may comprise PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or consist essentially of PET, or consist of PET, wherein the PET comprises from 0% to 100% recycled PET, and / or wherein the PET is transparent, and / or comprise PS (polystyrene), or consist essentially of PS, or consist of PS, wherein the PS comprises from 0% to 100% recycled PS, and / or comprise PP (polypropylene), or consist essentially of PP, or consists of PP, wherein the PP comprises from 0% to 100% recycled PP, and / or each comprise a top flange, and / or are joined together by top flange, and / or have a side wall free or label.

[0054] The use of these materials and configurations for the food containers provides a range of options for balancing factors such as recyclability, transparency, and structural properties, while the label-free side wall allows for improved recyclability and visual appeal.

[0055] The food containers may have various dimensions to accommodate different serving sizes and packaging configurations. In some aspects, the food containers may have a height ranging from 50 mm to 150 mm, and a diameter ranging from 40 mm to 120 mm. For example, a typical single-serve yogurt cup (or Soy yogurt cup, stewed fruit cup, compote cup) may have a height of approximately 70 mm to 90 mm and a diameter of 60 mm to 80 mm. Larger family-size containers may have heights up to 130 mm and diameters upto 110 mm. In some cases, the food containers may have a slightly tapered shape, with the bottom diameter being 5% to 15% smallerthan the top diameter to facilitate easy stacking and removal from molds during manufacturing. The wall thickness of the containers may range from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, depending on the material used and the required structural integrity. These dimensions may be adjusted to optimize the overall packaging efficiency and to meet specific market or consumer preferences.

[0056] In a second aspect, a packaging method is provided. The method of packaging a food product, may comprise the steps of:- providing a plurality of food containers each comprising a polymeric hollow body, a lid, and a dairy or plant-based composition, such as yogurt, filled in the hollow body, - surrounding the plurality of food containers with a surrounding belt.

[0057] Preferably, the surrounding belt is handled to laterally surround the plurality of food containers. In other words, the surrounding belt may be laid around the plurality of food containers so as to define at least one vertical load transmitting portion arranged to transmit a top load form a top surface of the food product to a bottom surface of the food product.

[0058] The step of providing a plurality of food containers may comprise a step of filling the hollow body with the dairy or plant-based composition.

[0059] The step of surrounding the plurality of food containers with a surrounding belt may comprise a step of providing a bend or a fold of the surrounding belt around a vertical direction and / or along a side edge of the food product. In other words, the surrounding belt may be supplied as a flat before the packaging method, and during the packaging method, the surrounding belt is bent or folded or formed to provide a vertical, and preferably continuous, bent or curved or folded shape. With such vertical, and preferably continuous, bent or curved or folded shape, the load transmitting portion has enhanced resistance to buckling or collapsing under top load application.

[0060] The step of surrounding the plurality of food containers with a surrounding belt may comprise a step of wrapping the lateral sides of foo product with the surrounding belt. There might be a step of attaching, glueing, anchoring together two extremities of the surrounding belt.

[0061] In other words, the load transmitting portion may be a part of the carton packaging or a part of the surrounding belt which acts as a load transmitter to transmit a load from top to bottom of the food product. The load transmitting portion may be avertical and / or continuous part of the carton packaging or a vertical and / or continuous part of the surrounding belt which acts as a load transmitter to transmit a load from top to bottom of the food product.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0062] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a food product, according to aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the food product of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment.FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a food container assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of stacked food products, according to an embodiment.FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of stacked food products on a ground surface, according to aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of stacked food products with male tabs, according to an embodiment.FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a food product with multiple containers, according to aspects of the present disclosure.FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of half of the food product of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a food product, according to an embodiment.

[0063] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present invention relates to a food product comprising multiple food containers and a carton packaging. The food product provides an innovative solution for packaging and protecting dairy or plant-based compositions, such as yogurt, Soyyogurt, stewed fruit, compote, while offering improved handling, storage, and recyclability.

[0065] The food product includes a plurality of food containers, each having a polymeric hollow body and a lid for closing the container. These containers hold a consumable dairy or plant-based composition. The carton packaging of the food product features a surrounding belt that at least partially encloses the food containers, providing structural support and protection. The surrounding belt preferably laterally or peripherally encloses the food containers.

[0066] A key advantage of this design is the light protection offered by the surrounding belt, which helps preserve the quality and freshness of the food contents. The carton packaging also enhances the overall stability and stackability of the food product, facilitating efficient transportation and storage.

[0067] The combination of polymeric food containers and a carton surrounding belt presents an environmentally conscious packaging solution. This design allows for easy separation of components, potentially improving recyclability compared to traditional packaging methods.

[0068] Furthermore, the food product's structure enables convenient handling for consumers while maintaining individual accessibility to each food container. This balance between unified packaging and individual serving sizes offers flexibility in consumption patterns.

[0069] The invention addresses the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry, particularly for dairy and plant-based products, while maintaining product quality and consumer convenience.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, the food product 100 comprises a plurality of food containers 10 and a surrounding belt 20 that encases the food containers 10. The food product 100 includes multiple food containers 10 arranged in a 2x2 configuration. The surrounding belt 20 extends from the bottom of the food containers 10 to approximately the same height as the containers, creating a unified package.

[0071] FIG. 2 provides a more detailed view of the components of the food product 100. Each food container 10 includes a hollow body 11 (a cup) and a lid 12. The hollow body 11 is further composed of a cup body 111 and a cup flange 112. The cup body 111 forms the main receptacle for holding food contents, while the cup flange 112extends outward from the top edge of the cup body 111, providing a surface for sealing the lid 12 to the container.

[0072] The surrounding belt 20 is made of carton material, which provides light protection for the contents of the food containers 10. The surrounding belt 20 extends laterally or along the periphery of the food product 100 and comprises or defines at least one load transmitting portion with top and bottom portions. This load transmitting portion is configured to receive a top load at the top portion and transmit it to a ground surface or another food product located below the food product 100.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the food product 100 has a total height Ht, measured from the bottom of the cup body 111 to the top of the cup flange 112. The surrounding belt 20 has a belt height Hb that extends from the bottom of the cup body 111 to a point just below the cup flange 112. The belt height Hb is between 100% and 95% of the container height, allowing the cup flange 112 to protrude slightly above the surrounding belt 20 and the bottom of hollow body 111 to protrude slightly below the surrounding belt 20.

[0074] The surrounding belt 20 can include a top cover (not shown in this particular example) for covering at least partially an upper part of the food containers 10. In some configurations, the top wall of the surrounding belt 20 can be perforated to allow for ventilation or easy access to the food containers 10.

[0075] The food containers 10 can be label-free cups, with a side wall being free of any label. This design may allow for a clean, minimalist appearance and improves recyclability. The food containers 10 can have several different shapes to accommodate various product types or consumer preferences.

[0076] The top portion of the load transmitting portion of the surrounding belt 20 is located on an upper surface of the food product 100. This configuration may allow for efficient stacking of multiple food products 100, as the load is evenly distributed across the structure, and directly transmitted to the surrounding belt 20. In the particular example of figures 1 and 4 (showing stacked food products 100), the cup flanges 112 can participate to transmit the top load directly from the upper food product 100 to the surrounding belt 20.

[0077] The combination of the food containers 10 and the surrounding belt 20 creates a food product 100 that offers protection, stability, and ease of handling, while also providing individual accessibility to each food container 10.

[0078] The food product 100 is designed with advanced stacking capabilities and efficient load distribution features. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of two stacked food products 100, demonstrating the stackability of the design. Each food product 100 of figure 4 includes a load transmitting portion Lt, but as only the lower food product 100 of figure 4 is subjected to a top load, the load transmitting portion Lt is explicitly shown for the lower food product 100. For this particular example, the effective load transmitting portions Lt are the portions of the surrounding belt 20 that make direct contact with the cup flanges 112 of the food containers 10 and ground surface 200 such that it can transmit the load of the upper food product 100. In particular, one can note figure 4 that the load transmitting portions Lt are bent portions around a vertical axis, thus providing an increase moment of inertia and increased resistance to buckling. The bending in quarter-circles of the surrounding belt 20 is naturally provided during the packaging process, when the surrounding belt 20 supplied as a flat sheet is wrapped around the food containers 10, along the periphery of the food product. One should note that the load transmitting portions Lt are straight and / or vertical along the vertical direction.

[0079] The load transmitting portion Lt and the food product 100 are designed to receive and distribute top loads effectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the surrounding belt 20 acting as a load transmitting portion Lt receives a top load TL applied to the food product 100 at its top portion. The surrounding belt 20 acting as a load transmitting portion Lt then transmits this load via its bottom portion to a ground surface 200 supporting the food product 100, or to another food product 100 located below. One can note that the food containers 10 of the lower food product 100 figure 5 are no longer protruding below the surrounding belt 20, as the top load TL has led to compress the food containers 10 (the label-free side wall of cup body 111 can radially expand), so that the top load is received by cup flanges 110 and mainly transmitted to ground surface 200 by the surrounding belt 20 acting as a load transmitting portion Lt

[0080] The load transmitting portion Lt may provide buckling resistance due to its curved structure surrounding the food containers 10. This curvature can result in animproved smallest area moment of inertia, enhancing the overall structural integrity of the food product 100 when subjected to vertical loads.

[0081] The carton packaging of the food product 100 may comprise coupling portions configured to receive and position mating portions of another food product 100 stacked on top. These coupling portions may include upper cutouts provided on an upper surface of the carton packaging. In case the carton packaging comprises a top cover, the upper cutouts may be designed to receive bottom portions of the food containers 10 of the other food product 100 stacked above, ensuring stable and secure stacking.

[0082] Additionally, the coupling portions may comprise lateral cutouts provided at a periphery of the carton packaging. These lateral cutouts may be configured to receive male portions of the surrounding belt 20 of the other food product 100 stacked on top, further enhancing the stability of the stacked configuration.

[0083] The food product 100 can be configured as an 8-pack made of two 4-packs. These 4-packs can be joined together using various methods such as gluing, clipping, sticking, or sleeving, providing flexibility in packaging configurations.

[0084] As shown figure 9, the surrounding belt 20 may incorporate cooling windows 22 distributed between the food containers 10. These cooling windows 22 allow for convection cooling of the filled cups, ensuring optimal temperature control of the food contents. The surrounding belt 20 can also feature folding flaps, which are folded and glued after cup insertion, providing additional structural support and containment.

[0085] A separate sheet can be inserted below the cups to sandwich the cups within the surrounding belt 20, offering an alternative method of securing the food containers 10. For larger configurations such as 12-pack or 16-pack stacks, glue can be applied (e.g. on the lid and bottom or side wall of each cup) to ensure stability.

[0086] Reverting back to figures 1 and 2, the circumferential belt 20 can contact the bottom face of the cup flanges 112, providing additional support and alignment for the food containers 10. A bottom wall or strip can be provided to block the cups in the carton belts, further securing the food containers 10 within the surrounding belt 20.

[0087] These features collectively contribute to the food product's 100 ability to efficiently distribute loads, maintain structural integrity during stacking, and provide secure containment of the food containers 10.

[0088] The food product 100 can be configured in various alternative arrangements to accommodate different packaging needs and stacking mechanisms. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a stacked configuration of two food products 100' provided as an alternative to the food product 10 of figure 1 . Each food product 100' comprises multiple food containers 10 arranged in a configuration where the top surfaces of four containers are visible in the upper food product 100'.

[0089] A surrounding belt 20' encases the food containers 10, providing structural support and containment. The surrounding belt 20' can be a single belt with glue or flap, or a glued strip. At the top of each food product 100', cup flanges 112 of the food containers 10 protrude laterally. These cup flanges 112 extend slightly above the top surface of a carton belt 100', allowing for easy access to the containers while maintaining structural support.

[0090] Male tabs 21 protrude from the lower side of each surrounding belt 20'. These male tabs 21 are designed to align with corresponding free spaces provided between the cup flanges 112 of a lower food product 100', facilitating alignment, secure stacking of multiple units. As an alternative, the male tabs 21 might have a greater height, and corresponding sized upper cutouts may be provided on top side of surrounding belt 20’, so that male tabs 21 engage the upper cutouts to align and secure stacking of multiple units.

[0091] The food product 100 can incorporate various retaining mechanisms to secure the food containers 10 within the carton packaging. A retainer can comprise at least one slot receiving a rib or flange 112 of at least one food container 10. Alternatively, the retainer can include at least one glue spot attaching at least one food container 10 to the carton packaging. Another option is a retainer comprising at least one strip or sheet on the bottom of the food product 100 supporting at least one food container 10. The retainer can also consist of at least one strip or sheet sandwiching a top flange 112 of at least one food container 10 with a top cover of the carton packaging. Additionally, a top edge of the surrounding belt 20 can support a top flange 112 of at least one food container 10.

[0092] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 showcase alternative configurations of the food product 100" as an alternative to the food product 100 of figure 1 . In these figures, the food product 100" comprises multiple food containers 10 arranged in a 2x4 configuration, with a surrounding belt 20" encasing the food containers 10. The surrounding belt 20" extends from the bottom of the food containers 10 to a height slightly lower than the top of the food containers 10, creating a unified package while allowing the tops of the food containers 10 to protrude slightly.

[0093] Slots are provided in the surrounding belt 20" to receive flanges of the food containers 10. The weight of the food containers 10 and a top load applied to the food containers 10 of the top layer may be transmitted by the flanges to the surrounding belt 20" and its load transmitting portion (any straight vertical part of the surrounding belt 20”).

[0094] The carton packaging of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 can incorporate venting cutouts distributed on the periphery of the surrounding belt 20". At least two venting cutouts can be positioned on opposite sides of the upper surface of the carton packaging, sized appropriately for finger-picking by consumers.

[0095] in general, these venting cutouts can each have a surface area between 100 mm2and 500 mm2, with a total venting surface between 400 mm2and 5000 mm2.

[0096] in general, the load transmitting portion of the surrounding belt 20, 20’ or 20” can be provided with a vertical fold or V-shape or U-shape arranged along the entire height of surrounding belt. The vertical fold or V-shape or U-shape may be seen as a vertical shape extending along a radial direction when the food product is seen from above. This configuration may enhance the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the food product 100, 100’, 100". Indeed, such vertical fold or vertical rib or vertical elongated V-shape or U-shape provides enhanced resistance to collapsing or buckling. Such vertical fold or vertical rib or vertical elongated V-shape or U-shape can be provided by a further carton sheet folded and glued to the surrounding belt 20, 20’, 20”.

[0097] These alternative configurations and stacking mechanisms offer flexibility in packaging design, allowing for efficient storage, transportation, and consumer handling of the food products 100, 100', 100".

[0098] The food product design allows for various alternative features and applications, providing flexibility in materials, manufacturing processes, and potential uses.

[0099] The food containers may comprise, may consist essentially of, or may consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET used in the food containers can include anywhere from 0% to 100% recycled PET, allowing for environmentally conscious manufacturing options. PET offers excellent clarity, strength, and barrier properties, making it suitable for containing dairy or plant-based products.

[0100] Alternatively, the food containers may comprise, may consist essentially of, or may consist of polystyrene (PS). Similar to PET, the PS used can include 0% to 100% recycled content. PS provides good rigidity and insulation properties, which can be beneficial for certain food products.

[0101] Another material option for the food containers is polypropylene (PP). The food containers may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of PP, with the possibility of incorporating 0% to 100% recycled PP. PP offers good chemical resistance and heat tolerance, which can be advantageous for specific food applications.

[0102] The carton packaging can be designed with various features to enhance user experience and disposal. For instance, the carton packaging may comprise precut or weakness lines. These lines may facilitate easy opening of the packaging by consumers and allow for easy crushing of the packaging for disposal, promoting convenient use and efficient waste management. These optional features shall not affect the top load resistance, so they are typically arranged away the load transmitting portion.

[0103] The thickness of the carton packaging can be tailored to suit different strength and durability requirements. The carton packaging may have a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm. This range allows for optimization of material use while maintaining necessary structural integrity.

[0104] To simplify manufacturing and potentially reduce costs, the carton packaging may comprise flat carton. The use of flat carton can facilitate easier production processes and may offer advantages in terms of storage and transportation of the packaging materials prior to assembly.

[0105] The packaging concept can be adapted for various food products beyond dairy and plant-based compositions. For example, the design could be applied to packaging for ready-to-eat meals, snacks, or beverages. The modular nature of the packaging allows for scalability, potentially accommodating different product sizes or quantities.

[0106] The surrounding belt design could be modified to incorporate additional features such as handles for improved portability.

[0107] Manufacturing processes can be optimized to reduce waste and energy consumption. For instance, the food containers and carton packaging could be designed for efficient nesting during transportation, minimizing empty space and reducing carbon footprint.

[0108] These alternative features and applications demonstrate the versatility and potential for further innovation in the food product design, allowing for adaptation to various market needs and environmental considerations.

[0109] The food product described in this invention provides an innovative solution for packaging and protecting dairy or plant-based compositions while offering improved handling, storage, and recyclability. The combination of polymeric food containers and a carton surrounding belt creates a unified package that addresses several key challenges in food packaging.

[0110] The carton surrounding belt offers light protection for the food contents, helping to preserve quality and freshness. This feature may be particularly beneficial for light-sensitive dairy products such as yogurt. The design also enhances overall stability and stackability, facilitating efficient transportation and storage in various retail and distribution environments.

[0111] An advantage of this packaging solution is its potential for improved recyclability. The design allows for easy separation of the polymeric containers from the carton packaging, aligning with increasing consumer demand and regulatory requirements for more sustainable packaging options.

[0112] The structure of the food product enables convenient handling for consumers while maintaining individual accessibility to each food container. This balance between unified packaging and individual serving sizes offers flexibility in consumption patterns, catering to various consumer needs and preferences.

[0113] The load-bearing design of the carton packaging allows for secure stacking of multiple units, optimizing space utilization in storage and during transportation. This feature can lead to increased efficiency in logistics and reduced transportation costs.

[0114] The packaging concept also provides ample surface area for branding and product information, enhancing shelf presence and consumer communication. The ability to customize the carton packaging with various printing options allows for strong brand differentiation in competitive retail environments.

[0115] Furthermore, the design incorporates features for efficient cooling during the dairy processing stage, contributing to product quality and safety. The packaging also offers options for easy opening and disposal, enhancing consumer convenience.

[0116] In summary, this food product packaging solution addresses multiple aspects of modem food packaging requirements. It combines product protection, consumer convenience, logistical efficiency, and environmental considerations in a single, innovative design. This holistic approach to packaging design positions the invention as a valuable solution for food manufacturers seeking to meet evolving market demands and sustainability goals.

[0117] Features of any of the examples or embodiments outlined above may be combined to create additional examples or embodiments without losing the intended effect. It should be understood that the description of an embodiment or example provided above is by way of example only, and various modifications could be made by one skilled in the art. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous further modifications and combinations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to encompass all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0118]

Claims

CLAIMS1. Food product (100), comprising at least:- a plurality of food containers (10), each comprising a polymeric hollow body (11) and a lid (12) closing the hollow body,- a dairy or plant based composition, such as yogurt, to be consumed by a user and contained in the closed food containers (10),- a carton packaging, comprising at least a surrounding belt (20):• at least partially surrounding the plurality of food containers (10),• comprising or defining at least one load transmitting portion (Lt) having a top portion, a bottom portion, and extending between the top portion and the bottom portion,said at least one load transmitting portion (Lt) being configured:• to receive at the top portion a top load (TL) applied to the food product (100), and• to transmit, via the bottom portion, the top load (TL) to a ground surface (200) supporting the food product (100), or to another food product (100) located below said food product (100).

2. The food product (100) according to claim 1, wherein the food product (100) presents a total height (Ht), and said at least one load transmitting portion (Lt) has a height comprised between 100% of total height (Ht) and 95% of total height (Ht), preferably comprised between 100% of total height (Ht) and 96% of total height (Ht), preferably comprised between 100% of total height (Ht) and 97% of total height (Ht), preferably comprised between 100% of total height (Ht) and 98% of total height (Ht).

3. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the top portion of said at least one load transmitting portion (Lt) is located on an upper surface of the food product (100).

4. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carton packaging comprises a top cover for covering at least partially an upper part of the food container (10).

5. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the carton packaging comprises coupling portions configured to receive and position mating portions of another food product (100) stacked onto said food product (100).

6. The food product (100) according to claim 5, wherein the coupling portions comprise upper cutouts provided onto an upper surface of the carton packaging, the upper cutouts being configured to receive a bottom portion of the food containers (10) of the other food product (100) stacked onto said food product (100).

7. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the coupling portions comprise lateral cutouts provided at a periphery of the carton packaging, the lateral cutouts being configured to receive male portions (21) of the surrounding belt (20) of the other food product (100) stacked onto said food product (100).

8. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the surrounding belt (20) surrounds all the food containers (10), and / or wherein the food containers (10) present a container height, the surrounding belt (20) having a belt height (Hb) comprised between 100% of container height and 95% of container height, preferably comprised between 100% of container height and 96% of container height, preferably comprised between 100% of container height and 97% of container height, preferably comprised between 100% of container height and 98% of container height.

9. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the carton packaging has venting cutouts, distributed onto the periphery of the surrounding belt (20).

10. The food product (100) according to claim 9, wherein at least two venting cutouts are provided onto an upper surface of the carton packaging on opposite sides of the carton packaging, and sized to allow picking of the food product (100) by fingers of the consumer.

11. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the venting cutouts:- each have a surface between 100 mm2and 500 mm2, and / or- have a total venting surface between 400 mm2and 5000 mm2.

12. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least one retainer to retain the food containers (10) in the carton packaging.

13. The food product (100) according to claim 12, wherein said at least one retainer comprises:- at least one slot, receiving a rib or a flange (112) of at least one food container (10), and / or- at least one glue spot, attaching at least one food container (10) to the carton packaging, and / or- at least one strip or sheet provided on the bottom of the food product (100), so that at least one food container (10) is supported by said at least one strip or sheet, and / or - at least one strip or sheet sandwiching a top flange (112) of at least one food container (10) with a top cover of the carton packaging, and / or- a top edge of the surrounding belt (20) supporting a top flange (112) of at least one food container (10).

14. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the carton packaging:- comprises precut or weakness lines to allow easy opening or easy crushing for disposal, and / or- has a thickness comprised in a range of values of from 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably of from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably of from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably of from 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm, preferably of from 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm, preferably of from 1.0 mm to 1.3 mm, preferably of from 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or- comprises flat carton, in particular the surrounding belt (20) comprises or is made from flat carton.

15. The food product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least a part and preferably all the food containers (10):- comprise PET, or consist essentially of PET, or consist of PET, wherein the PET comprises from 0% to 100% recycled PET, and / or wherein the PET is transparent, and / or- comprise PS, or consist essentially of PS, or consist of PS, wherein the PS comprises from 0% to 100% recycled PS, and / or- comprise PP, or consist essentially of PP, or consists of PP, wherein the PPcomprises from 0% to 100% recycled PP, and / or- each comprise a top flange (112), and / or are joined together by top flange (112), and / or- have a side wall free of label.

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