CA2833582A1 - A stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch and a method for making such pouch - Google Patents
A stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch and a method for making such pouch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2833582A1 CA2833582A1 CA2833582A CA2833582A CA2833582A1 CA 2833582 A1 CA2833582 A1 CA 2833582A1 CA 2833582 A CA2833582 A CA 2833582A CA 2833582 A CA2833582 A CA 2833582A CA 2833582 A1 CA2833582 A1 CA 2833582A1
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- Prior art keywords
- pouch
- neck
- product
- stretch
- molded
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009928 pasteurization Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012265 solid product Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000012371 Aseptic Filling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000195940 Bryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940123973 Oxygen scavenger Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013334 alcoholic beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001476 alcoholic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004061 bleaching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010924 continuous production Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002552 dosage form Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000009477 glass transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011929 mousse Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000014571 nuts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006284 nylon film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015927 pasta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006072 paste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011049 pearl Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015067 sauces Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020357 syrup Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006188 syrup Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000606 toothpaste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940034610 toothpaste Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/02—Body construction
- B65D35/04—Body construction made in one piece
- B65D35/08—Body construction made in one piece from plastics material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/24—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
Abstract
A stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch (10) comprising a neck with an opening, and a process for making and handling a pouch, comprising - blow molding a preform or thermoforming a sheet or film into a mold to create a pouch with a neck (20) comprising an opening (30), - removing the pouch from the mold, - transporting the pouch at the neck, - filling the pouch with a product, - closing the pouch.
Description
A STRETCH BLOW-MOLDED OR THERMOFORMED POUCH AND A METHOD FOR MAKING SUCH POUCH
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pouches are well known in the art. Pouches are used as containers for food, beverage and non-food products such as for example cosmetics, fragrances, personal care products, or detergents.
Pouches are typically flexible containers which come in multi-dosage or single-dosage forms, and which can be easily discarded after use. Pouches are made of plastic foils or sleeves, or laminates thereof with co-extruded barrier (eg nylon) films, which are welded at the edges.
One disadvantage with conventional pouches is however that they easily tear, especially at the welds or at the edges.
It is therefore desirable to provide pouches which do not suffer from this drawback. It is further desired to provide pouches which are cheaper to be processed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stretch-blow molded or thermoformed pouch comprising a neck with an opening.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for making and handling said pouch. The process comprises the steps of a. blow molding a preform or thermoforming a sheet or film into a mold to create a pouch with a neck comprising an opening b. removing the pouch from the mold c. transporting the pouch at the neck d. filling the pouch with a product e. closing the pouch BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a pouch according to the present invention.
CONFIRMATION COPY
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pouches are well known in the art. Pouches are used as containers for food, beverage and non-food products such as for example cosmetics, fragrances, personal care products, or detergents.
Pouches are typically flexible containers which come in multi-dosage or single-dosage forms, and which can be easily discarded after use. Pouches are made of plastic foils or sleeves, or laminates thereof with co-extruded barrier (eg nylon) films, which are welded at the edges.
One disadvantage with conventional pouches is however that they easily tear, especially at the welds or at the edges.
It is therefore desirable to provide pouches which do not suffer from this drawback. It is further desired to provide pouches which are cheaper to be processed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stretch-blow molded or thermoformed pouch comprising a neck with an opening.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for making and handling said pouch. The process comprises the steps of a. blow molding a preform or thermoforming a sheet or film into a mold to create a pouch with a neck comprising an opening b. removing the pouch from the mold c. transporting the pouch at the neck d. filling the pouch with a product e. closing the pouch BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a pouch according to the present invention.
CONFIRMATION COPY
Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the pouch of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in Fig. 1, the present invention relates to a stretch-blow molded or thermoformed pouch 10 comprising a neck 20 with an opening 30.
The wall 40 of the pouch 10 preferably has an average thickness of from about 25 micrometers to about 250 micrometers, preferably from about 50 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, even more preferably from about 50 micrometers to about 75 micrometers, and most preferably from about 60 micrometers to about 70 micrometers. Preferably, the average thickness of the wall 40 is less than about 200 micrometers, preferably less than about 150 micrometers, more preferably less than about 120 micrometers, even more preferably less than about 100 micrometers, even more preferably less than about 75 micrometers, and most preferably less than about 70 micrometers. For determining the average wall thickness of the pouch, the neck of the pouch does not have to be taken into account.
By stretch-blow molding or thermoforming, a pouch is created which is seamless. Because of the absence of seams, the pouch 10 according to the present invention is less prone to rupturing during the manipulation (e.g. during filling), transportation, packaging and handling (by a consumer).
The pouch 10 can be blown in many shapes, and can vary from very flexible (bag-like) to more rigid. In one preferred embodiment, the pouch is a self-supporting stand-up pouch 10, as shown in Fig 2. In this embodiment, the pouch is blown into a form such that the pouch comprises a base 50 that supports the pouch.
The neck 20 is preferably a cylindrical neck, and can be positioned at various locations. For a stand-up pouch, the neck can be positioned opposite the base, centrally or off-centered (e.g.
more towards the side). In one embodiment, the neck is in the form of a spout which facilitates emptying the content of the pouch. The opening 30 can be closed by any means known in the art, such as for example a plastic, screwable cap or a tear-off seal such as for example an aluminum foil glued over the opening 30. In another preferred embodiment, a separate dispenser may be provided which can be connected (e.g. screwed onto) to the neck. As such, the pouch can be used as a refill (e.g. hand soaps).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in Fig. 1, the present invention relates to a stretch-blow molded or thermoformed pouch 10 comprising a neck 20 with an opening 30.
The wall 40 of the pouch 10 preferably has an average thickness of from about 25 micrometers to about 250 micrometers, preferably from about 50 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, even more preferably from about 50 micrometers to about 75 micrometers, and most preferably from about 60 micrometers to about 70 micrometers. Preferably, the average thickness of the wall 40 is less than about 200 micrometers, preferably less than about 150 micrometers, more preferably less than about 120 micrometers, even more preferably less than about 100 micrometers, even more preferably less than about 75 micrometers, and most preferably less than about 70 micrometers. For determining the average wall thickness of the pouch, the neck of the pouch does not have to be taken into account.
By stretch-blow molding or thermoforming, a pouch is created which is seamless. Because of the absence of seams, the pouch 10 according to the present invention is less prone to rupturing during the manipulation (e.g. during filling), transportation, packaging and handling (by a consumer).
The pouch 10 can be blown in many shapes, and can vary from very flexible (bag-like) to more rigid. In one preferred embodiment, the pouch is a self-supporting stand-up pouch 10, as shown in Fig 2. In this embodiment, the pouch is blown into a form such that the pouch comprises a base 50 that supports the pouch.
The neck 20 is preferably a cylindrical neck, and can be positioned at various locations. For a stand-up pouch, the neck can be positioned opposite the base, centrally or off-centered (e.g.
more towards the side). In one embodiment, the neck is in the form of a spout which facilitates emptying the content of the pouch. The opening 30 can be closed by any means known in the art, such as for example a plastic, screwable cap or a tear-off seal such as for example an aluminum foil glued over the opening 30. In another preferred embodiment, a separate dispenser may be provided which can be connected (e.g. screwed onto) to the neck. As such, the pouch can be used as a refill (e.g. hand soaps).
The pouch can be made in many sizes, with internal volumes preferably ranging from 25 ml to 25 I. However volumes below or above this range may also be envisaged. In one embodiment, the pouch is a single unit-dose pouch.
The pouch of the present invention can be used for containing a variety of products such as food products, beverages, and non-food products. The product can be in a liquid form, gel, paste, flowable powder or solid as long as it can be squeezed or poured out of the pouch.
Examples of food products include, but are not limited thereto, oils, dressings, sauces, cream cheese, dairy products such as yoghurt, purees, fruit mousse, meat, syrups, flakes, muesli, pasta, rice, or nuts.
Examples of beverages include non-alcoholic (milk, juice, water) and alcoholic beverages, carbonated or non-carbonated beverages.
Examples of non-food products include personal care products such as skin or hair care products, toothpaste, bath, shower and washing products such as gels, bath foam, bath pearls, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and the like.
The pouch 10 according to the present invention may further comprise a handle or grip. The handle or grip can be designed in the mold such that it is blown simultaneously with the pouch, and thus seamlessly integrated. Alternatively, a separate handle may be provided which can be attached to the neck.
The pouch 10 can be made by means of stretch-blow molding or by thermoforming.
In the stretch-blow molding process, a thermoplastic material is first molded into a preform typically using injection molding. These preforms are produced with the neck of the pouch, if desired including threads. These performs are packaged and fed later (after cooling) into a reheat stretch blow molding machine. In the stretch blow molding process, the preforms are heated (typically using infrared heaters) above their glass transition temperature, and then blown using high pressure air into pouches using metal blow molds. The preform manufacture and pouch blowing can also be performed in the same machine (single-stage process). Preferably, the stretch ratio of total volume of the preform to the total volume of the pouch is higher than about 7, preferably higher than about 20, more preferably higher than about 25, even more preferably higher than about 30. For very thin walled pouches, the stretch ratio may even be higher than about 40. In a preferred embodiment, the stretch ratio is higher than about 25 and the average wall thickness is less than 120 micrometers, even more preferably the stretch ratio is higher than about 30 and the average wall thickness is less than about 75 micrometers.
Thermoforming is a process where a thermoplastic sheet or film is heated to a high-enough temperature such that it can be stretched into or onto a mold and cooled to a finished shape.
The thermoplastic material, sheet or film can be, but is not limited thereto, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephtalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinylchloride (PVC). A preferred thermoplastic material is polyethylene terephtalate (PET). The aforementioned thermoplastic materials may also be blended with barrier materials such as for example nylon, oxygen scavengers, weakeners or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the pouch 10 made of the thermoplastic material may comprise a barrier coating.
In addition to the benefit of making a pouch which is less prone to rupturing, there is an additional advantage during the filling, handling and packaging of the pouch.
Indeed, after the manufacturing of the pouch, the pouch can be manipulated at its neck when the pouch is removed from the mold. As such during the filling, transportation and up to the moment that the pouch is packaged, the pouch can be transported at the neck. This provides full control of the process, and reduces the risk of rupturing during the entire process. Hence, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process comprising the steps of:
- blow molding a preform or thermoforming a sheet or film into a mold to create a pouch with a neck comprising an opening - removing the pouch from the mold - transporting the pouch at the neck to the filling unit - filling the pouch with a product - closing the pouch If the pouch is created out of a preform, in one preferred embodiment, the preform manufacture and pouch blowing are performed in a single-stage process, as described hereinbefore.
The closing of the pouch can be done by any means known in the art, such as for example a plastic, screwable cap or a tear-off seal such as for example an aluminum foil glued over the opening.
When the pouch is closed, the pouch is then preferably transported, still at the neck to the packaging unit. As such, the present invention allows for a continuous process with full control of the pouch, which was not possible before.
In preferred embodiments, the starting materials (preform, sheet or film) or the pouch is 5 sanitized, pasteurized or sterilized either before filling (aseptic filling) e.g. by means of bleaching products such as peroxides, or by hot filling of the product wherein the product which is to be contained in the pouch is added at high temperature (i.e. the product itself sanitizes or sterilizes the pouch). In aseptic filling, it may further be preferred to employ aseptic equipment. This allows the pouch to be used for food products requiring a long shelf life such as e.g. milk-based products.
In preferred embodiments, the pouch is decorated. This can be done through conventional printing or labeling processes at the external surface of the pouch. In a preferred embodiment, the pouch can be decorated in the mold (in-mold labeling).
Through thermoforming it is further possible to create a series of pouches, all thermoformed simultaneously and connected to each other e.g at their side walls, wherein the pouches contain the same products or alternatively, contain different products.
The pouch of the present invention can be used for containing a variety of products such as food products, beverages, and non-food products. The product can be in a liquid form, gel, paste, flowable powder or solid as long as it can be squeezed or poured out of the pouch.
Examples of food products include, but are not limited thereto, oils, dressings, sauces, cream cheese, dairy products such as yoghurt, purees, fruit mousse, meat, syrups, flakes, muesli, pasta, rice, or nuts.
Examples of beverages include non-alcoholic (milk, juice, water) and alcoholic beverages, carbonated or non-carbonated beverages.
Examples of non-food products include personal care products such as skin or hair care products, toothpaste, bath, shower and washing products such as gels, bath foam, bath pearls, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and the like.
The pouch 10 according to the present invention may further comprise a handle or grip. The handle or grip can be designed in the mold such that it is blown simultaneously with the pouch, and thus seamlessly integrated. Alternatively, a separate handle may be provided which can be attached to the neck.
The pouch 10 can be made by means of stretch-blow molding or by thermoforming.
In the stretch-blow molding process, a thermoplastic material is first molded into a preform typically using injection molding. These preforms are produced with the neck of the pouch, if desired including threads. These performs are packaged and fed later (after cooling) into a reheat stretch blow molding machine. In the stretch blow molding process, the preforms are heated (typically using infrared heaters) above their glass transition temperature, and then blown using high pressure air into pouches using metal blow molds. The preform manufacture and pouch blowing can also be performed in the same machine (single-stage process). Preferably, the stretch ratio of total volume of the preform to the total volume of the pouch is higher than about 7, preferably higher than about 20, more preferably higher than about 25, even more preferably higher than about 30. For very thin walled pouches, the stretch ratio may even be higher than about 40. In a preferred embodiment, the stretch ratio is higher than about 25 and the average wall thickness is less than 120 micrometers, even more preferably the stretch ratio is higher than about 30 and the average wall thickness is less than about 75 micrometers.
Thermoforming is a process where a thermoplastic sheet or film is heated to a high-enough temperature such that it can be stretched into or onto a mold and cooled to a finished shape.
The thermoplastic material, sheet or film can be, but is not limited thereto, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephtalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinylchloride (PVC). A preferred thermoplastic material is polyethylene terephtalate (PET). The aforementioned thermoplastic materials may also be blended with barrier materials such as for example nylon, oxygen scavengers, weakeners or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the pouch 10 made of the thermoplastic material may comprise a barrier coating.
In addition to the benefit of making a pouch which is less prone to rupturing, there is an additional advantage during the filling, handling and packaging of the pouch.
Indeed, after the manufacturing of the pouch, the pouch can be manipulated at its neck when the pouch is removed from the mold. As such during the filling, transportation and up to the moment that the pouch is packaged, the pouch can be transported at the neck. This provides full control of the process, and reduces the risk of rupturing during the entire process. Hence, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process comprising the steps of:
- blow molding a preform or thermoforming a sheet or film into a mold to create a pouch with a neck comprising an opening - removing the pouch from the mold - transporting the pouch at the neck to the filling unit - filling the pouch with a product - closing the pouch If the pouch is created out of a preform, in one preferred embodiment, the preform manufacture and pouch blowing are performed in a single-stage process, as described hereinbefore.
The closing of the pouch can be done by any means known in the art, such as for example a plastic, screwable cap or a tear-off seal such as for example an aluminum foil glued over the opening.
When the pouch is closed, the pouch is then preferably transported, still at the neck to the packaging unit. As such, the present invention allows for a continuous process with full control of the pouch, which was not possible before.
In preferred embodiments, the starting materials (preform, sheet or film) or the pouch is 5 sanitized, pasteurized or sterilized either before filling (aseptic filling) e.g. by means of bleaching products such as peroxides, or by hot filling of the product wherein the product which is to be contained in the pouch is added at high temperature (i.e. the product itself sanitizes or sterilizes the pouch). In aseptic filling, it may further be preferred to employ aseptic equipment. This allows the pouch to be used for food products requiring a long shelf life such as e.g. milk-based products.
In preferred embodiments, the pouch is decorated. This can be done through conventional printing or labeling processes at the external surface of the pouch. In a preferred embodiment, the pouch can be decorated in the mold (in-mold labeling).
Through thermoforming it is further possible to create a series of pouches, all thermoformed simultaneously and connected to each other e.g at their side walls, wherein the pouches contain the same products or alternatively, contain different products.
Claims (15)
1. A stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch comprising a neck with an opening.
2. A pouch according to claim 1, wherein the wall of the pouch has an average thickness of from 25 micrometer to 250 micrometer.
3. A pouch according to claims 1-2, wherein the average thickness is less than 75 micrometer.
4. A pouch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pouch is a self-supporting stand-up pouch.
5. A pouch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pouch has an internal volume of from 25 ml to 25 l.
6. A pouch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pouch is a single unit-dose pouch.
7. A pouch according to any of the preceding claims comprising a product selected from a food product, a beverage, or a non-food product.
8. A pouch according to claim 8, wherein said product is a liquid, a paste, a gel, a flowable powder or a solid product.
9. A pouch according to any of the preceding claims further comprising an integrated grip or handle.
10. A pouch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pouch is a stretch-blow molded pouch, and wherein the stretch ratio of total volume of preform to the total volume of pouch is higher than about 25.
11. A pouch according to claim 10, wherein said stretch ratio is higher than about 30 and wherein the average wall thickness is less than 75 micrometers.
12. A process for making and handling a pouch, comprising a. blow molding a preform or thermoforming a sheet or film into a mold to create a pouch with a neck comprising an opening, then b. removing the pouch from the mold, then c. transporting the pouch at the neck, then d. filling the pouch with a product, and e. closing the pouch
13. A process according to claim 10, further comprising the step of transporting the pouch at the neck to a packaging unit.
14. A process according to claims 10-11, further comprising a sanitization, sterilisation or pasteurisation step.
15. A process according to claims 10-12, further comprising a decoration step.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP11003771.0 | 2011-05-09 | ||
| EP11003771 | 2011-05-09 | ||
| PCT/EP2012/001981 WO2012152433A1 (en) | 2011-05-09 | 2012-05-09 | A stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch and a method for making such pouch |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2833582A1 true CA2833582A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
Family
ID=44358179
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2833582A Abandoned CA2833582A1 (en) | 2011-05-09 | 2012-05-09 | A stretch blow-molded or thermoformed pouch and a method for making such pouch |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20140072245A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2707193A1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR112013028826A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2833582A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2013013070A (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2013154427A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2012152433A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3052397A1 (en) | 2013-10-04 | 2016-08-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Blow-molded necked container |
| US11331844B2 (en) | 2018-05-25 | 2022-05-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Container having coordinated mold part line and longitudinal seam |
| US11358747B2 (en) | 2019-04-29 | 2022-06-14 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Low opacity thermoformed container having longitudinal seam |
| CN112657413B (en) * | 2021-03-18 | 2021-05-25 | 莱阳永安食品有限公司 | Mixing device for producing fruit mousse and using method |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE69712551T3 (en) * | 1996-02-19 | 2008-02-21 | Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. | Liquid crystalline polyester resin composition |
| JP4638969B2 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2011-02-23 | 日本ポリプロ株式会社 | Self-supporting bottle |
| WO2002026567A2 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2002-04-04 | Eco Lean Research & Development A/S | Container for concentrated/powdered material and method of using container |
| FR2830844A1 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2003-04-18 | Perrier Vittel Man Et Technolo | CONTAINER FOR A SINKING PRODUCT, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND USES OF SUCH CONTAINER |
| JP4231989B2 (en) * | 2002-03-19 | 2009-03-04 | 藤森工業株式会社 | Self-supporting bag and its manufacturing method |
| ATE399711T1 (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2008-07-15 | Advanced Plastics Technologies | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND FILLING FLEXIBLE BAGS |
| JP4209288B2 (en) * | 2003-08-27 | 2009-01-14 | 株式会社吉野工業所 | Blow-molded standing thin container suitable for pouch replacement |
| US7204950B2 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2007-04-17 | Pepsico, Inc. | Dispensing package |
| US8998034B2 (en) * | 2009-10-09 | 2015-04-07 | Dr. Py Institute Llc | Device with co-molded closure, one-way valve and variable-volume storage chamber, and related method |
-
2012
- 2012-05-09 CA CA2833582A patent/CA2833582A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-05-09 WO PCT/EP2012/001981 patent/WO2012152433A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-05-09 EP EP12722291.7A patent/EP2707193A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-05-09 BR BR112013028826A patent/BR112013028826A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-05-09 MX MX2013013070A patent/MX2013013070A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-05-09 RU RU2013154427/05A patent/RU2013154427A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-05-09 US US14/116,703 patent/US20140072245A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2013154427A (en) | 2015-06-20 |
| EP2707193A1 (en) | 2014-03-19 |
| WO2012152433A1 (en) | 2012-11-15 |
| BR112013028826A2 (en) | 2017-01-31 |
| MX2013013070A (en) | 2013-12-06 |
| US20140072245A1 (en) | 2014-03-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20160511 |