CA3056508A1 - Oxo-biodegradable film and packaging material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to an oxodegradable, biodegradable and/or oxo-biodegradable bi-laminated film, a food packaging material comprising said film, and methods of packaging or preserving food using said film or packaging material.
The present application also relates to process of manufacture of said bi-laminated film and food packaging material.

Description

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TITLE: OXO-BIODEGRADABLE FILM AND PACKAGING MATERIAL
FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to an oxodegradable, biodegradable and/or oxo-biodegradable bi-laminated film, a food packaging material comprising said film, and methods of packaging or preserving food using said film or packaging material.
The present application also relates to process of manufacture of said bi-laminated film and food packaging material.
INTRODUCTION

[0002] Plastic plays a major role in the packaging industry. In the food industry in particular, plastic packaging allows adequate water and oxygen permeability in order to keep food fresher for longer. However, plastic waste originating from various packaging presents one of the most serious global environmental issues. Furthermore, plastic food packaging is one of the most abundant plastic waste found in the ocean and along the shorelines according to a recent report. (Parker L., National Geographic, September 3, 2019) Governments and agencies around the world have taken initiatives to reduce plastic waste.
Traditional approaches of recycling and reusing do not address the problem that conventional plastic is a high molecular weight organic polymer that is highly hydrophobic and resistant to environmental degradation by wind, rain, sunlight and microorganisms.
Conventional plastic tends to be eroded by wind, rain and sunlight into smaller pieces of microplastic waste that retains hydrophobicity and high molecular weight. Microorganisms are unable to consume hydrophobic plastic waste of high molecular weight. As a result, conventional plastic persists in the environment and causes irreversible damage.

[0003] Currently, there exists chemical agents that are capable of oxidizing the carbon-hydrogen bonds in high molecular weight organic polymers by insertion of hydrophilic oxygen atoms, rendering the polymer prone to cleavage and degradation. The oxidized plastic polymers of reduced molecular weight can be readily ingested by microorganisms as carbon and energy sources leading to eventual biodegradation of the plastic.
However, this technology has not been tailored to the food industry.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a need for a degradable plastic material that allows adequate water and oxygen transmission with a degradation rate amenable to food packaging.
SUMMARY

[0005] Accordingly, the present application includes a bi-laminated film comprising a first layer comprising bi-orientated polypropylene (BOPP), and a first pro-degradation agent;
a second layer comprising polyethylene (PE), and a second pro-degradation agent; and an adhesive comprised between the first and the second layer, wherein the bi-laminated film is oxo-degradable, biodegradable, and/or oxo-biodegradable.

[0006] In another aspect, the present application includes a food packaging material comprising the bi-laminated film of the present application.

[0007] In another aspect, the present application includes a method of packaging food product comprising packaging the food product with the bi-laminated film or with the food packaging material of the present application.

[0008] In another aspect, the present application includes a method of preserving food product comprising packaging the food product with the bi-laminated film or with the food packaging material of the present application.

[0009] In another aspect, the present application includes a use of the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application to package food.

[0010] In another aspect, the present application includes a use of the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application to preserve food.

[0011] In another aspect, the present application also includes a process of manufacturing the bi-laminated film of the present application comprising printing the BOPP and the first pro-degradation agent to obtain the first layer;
extruding the PE and the second pro-degradation agent to obtain the second layer; and =
rolling or laminating the first layer and the second layer together with the adhesive to obtain the bi-laminated film.

[0012] In another aspect, the present application includes a process of manufacturing the food packaging material of the present application comprising cutting the bi-laminated film of the present application to obtain trimmed film; and sealing the trimmed film into the food packaging material.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only and the scope of the claims should not be limited by these embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
DRAWINGS

[0014] The embodiments of the application will now be described in greater detail with .. reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0015] Fig 1 shows an illustrative flowchart showing an exemplary manufacturing process of the bi-laminated film and the food packaging material of the present application.

[0016] Fig 2 shows an illustrative schematic of the bi-laminated film of the present application.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The various embodiments are hereby presented in a non-limitative manner and as examples only.

[0018] Unless otherwise indicated, the definitions and embodiments described in this and other sections are intended to be applicable to all embodiments and aspects of the present application herein described for which they are suitable as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0019] The term "bi-laminated film of the application" and the like as used herein refers to a film comprising a first layer comprising bi-orientated polypropylene (BOPP), and a first pro-degradation agent;
a second layer comprising polyethylene (PE), and a second pro-degradation agent; and an adhesive comprised between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the bi-laminated film is oxo-degradable, biodegradable, and/or oxo-biodegradable.

[0020] The term "food packaging material of the present application"
as used herein refers to a food packaging material comprising the bi-laminated film of the present application.

[0021] The term "and/or" as used herein means that the listed items are present, or used, individually or in combination. In effect, this term means that "at least one of" or "one or more" of the listed items is used or present. The term "and/or" with respect to pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or solvates thereof means that the compounds of the application exist as individual salts or hydrates, as well as a combination of, for example, a salt of a solvate of a compound of the application.

[0022] As used in the present application, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, an embodiment including "a compound" should be understood to present certain aspects with one compound or two or more additional compounds.

[0023] In embodiments comprising an "additional" or "second"
component, such as an additional or second compound, the second component as used herein is chemically different from the other components or first component. A "third" component is different from the other, first, and second components, and further enumerated or "additional"
components are similarly different.

[0024] In understanding the scope of the present application, the term "comprising"
and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. The term "consisting"
and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be closed terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps.
The term "consisting essentially of", as used herein, is intended to specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps as well as those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps.

[0025] The terms "about", "substantially" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies or unless the context suggests otherwise to a person skilled in the art.

[0026] The present description refers to a number of chemical terms and abbreviations used by those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, definitions of selected terms are provided for clarity and consistency.

[0027] The term "PP" as used herein refers to polypropylene.

[0028] The term "BOPP" as used herein refers to bi-orientated polypropylene.

[0029] The term "PE" as used herein refers to polyethylene.

[0030] The term "LDPE" as used herein refers to low density polyethylene.

[0031] The term "PEBD" as used herein refers to biodegradable, oxo-degradable, or oxo-biodegradable polyethylene.

[0032] The term "EVA" as used herein refers to ethylenevinylacetate.

[0033] The term "biodegradable" as used herein refers to the capability of being assimilated by bacteria, fungi, and/or other living organisms. The term "biodegradation" as used herein refers to the degradation of a polymeric item due to cell-mediated phenomena.

[0034] The term "oxo-degradable" as used herein refers to the capability of being degraded as a result of oxidative cleavage of macromolecules. The term "oxo-degradation"
as used herein refers to degradation resulting from oxidative cleavage of macromolecules.

[0035] The term "oxo-biodegradable" as used herein refers to the capability of bring degraded as a result of oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, either simultaneously or successively. The term "oxo-biodegradation" as used herein refers to the degradation resulting from oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, either simultaneously or successively.

[0036] The term "pro-degradation agent" or the like as used herein refers to a chemical agent that facilitates, accelerates and/or promotes degradation of polymeric macromolecules. In some instances, the polymeric macromolecules are plastic polymers, such as PP, BOPP, LDPE, and PE. In some embodiments, the pro-degradation agent can be one or more metal or organic catalysts, an oxidizing or reducing agent, and/or a salt or equivalent thereof. In some embodiments, the pro-degradation agent can be a free radical initiator.

[0037] The term "ASTM F1249" or the like as used herein refers to the Standard Test Method for Water Vapour Transmission Rate through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor, developed by ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, US.

[0038] The term "ASTM D3985" or the like as used herein refers to the Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor, developed by ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.

[0039] The term "D2W" or the like as used herein refers to a commercially available pro-degradation agent from Symphony Environmental, Hertfordshire, UK.

[0040] The term "MOR-FREETm 980/CR-85" and the like as used herein refers to a commercially available polyurethane based adhesive suitable for use with PE, PP, BOPP, aluminum and metalised films.

[0041] The present application relates to the design and optimization of a polymeric film that is amenable to food packaging and is oxo-biodegradable.

[0042] Accordingly, the present application includes a bi-laminated film comprising a first layer comprising bi-orientated polypropylene (BOPP), and a first pro-degradation agent;
a second layer comprising polyethylene (PE), and a second pro-degradation agent; and an adhesive comprised between the first and the second layer, wherein the bi-laminated film is oxo-degradable, biodegradable, and/or oxo-biodegradable.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first and/or the second pro-degradation agent is a free radical initiator or a metal catalyst. In some embodiments, the first and/or second pro-degradation agent is a metal catalyst and a free radical initiator. In some embodiments, the first and/or second pro-degradation agent is D2WTM.

[0044] In some embodiments, the adhesive is polyurethane based adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive is MORFREETM 980/CR-85.

[0045] In some embodiments, the PE is low density PE (LDPE).

[0046] In some embodiments, the first layer further comprises ink and/or solvent. In some embodiments, the ink is flexographic ink.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second layer further comprises additive. In some embodiments, the additive is ethylenevinylacetate (EVA).

[0048] In some embodiments, the second layer is configured to contact food. In some -- embodiments, the second layer is configured to contact frozen food.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the second layer is configured to contact frozen food, the second layer comprises EVA as additive.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer are laminated or rolled together through the adhesive.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer together represent at least 80% w/w, at least 85% w/w, at least 90% w/w, or at least 95% w/w of the bi-laminated film.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer together represent about 99% w/w of the bi-laminated film.

[0053] In another aspect, the present application includes a food packaging material comprising the bi-laminated film of the present application.

[0054] In some embodiments, the food packaging material is a pouch or a bag. In some embodiments, the food packaging material is for use with frozen food.

[0055] In some embodiments, the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application has water steam transmission rate of from about 0.5 to about 2.5 g/m2/24h measured by ASTM F-1249. In some embodiments, the water steam transmission rate is of from about 1.0 to about 2.0 g/m2/24h, or from about 1.2 to about 1.5 g/m2/24h. In some embodiments, the water steam transmission rate is about 1.34 g/m2/24h.

[0056] In some embodiments, the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application has oxygen transmission rate of from about 500 to about 2500 cc/m2/24h, from about 750 to about 2000 cc/m2/24h, to from about 1000 to about cc/m2/24h as measured by ASTM-D3985. In some embodiments, the oxygen transmission rate is about 1183 cc/m2/24h.

[0057] In some embodiments, the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application has thickness of from about 50 to about 250 pm, from about 75 to about 200 pm, or from about 100 to about 150 pm. In some embodiments, the thickness of about 120 pm.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application has coefficient of friction of from about 0.05 to about 0.5. In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction is from about 0.1 to 0.3.

[0059] In some embodiments, the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application has grammage of from about 2 to about 15 g/m2. In some embodiments, the grammage is from about 5 to about 10 g/m2. In some embodiments, the grammage is about 8 g/m2.

[0060] In some embodiments, the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application is about 80%, about 85%, about 88%, about 90%, or about 95% oxo-degraded, biodegraded, and/or oxo-biodegraded after about 80 days, 90 days, 100 days or 121 days.

[0061] In another aspect, the present application includes a method of packaging food product comprising packaging the food product with the bi-laminated film or with the food packaging material of the present application. In some embodiments, the food product is frozen.

[0062] In another aspect, the present application includes a method of preserving food product comprising packaging the food product with the bi-laminated film or with the food packaging material of the present application. In some embodiments, the food product is frozen.

[0063] In another aspect, the present application includes a use of the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application to package food. In some embodiments, the food is frozen.

[0064] In another aspect, the present application includes a use of the bi-laminated film or the food packaging material of the present application to preserve food. In some embodiments, the food is frozen.

[0065] In another aspect, the present application also includes a process of manufacturing the bi-laminated film of the present application comprising extruding the PE and the second pro-degradation agent to obtain the second layer; and rolling or laminating the first layer and the second layer together with the adhesive to obtain the bi-laminated film.

[0066] In some embodiments, the process of manufacturing the bi-laminated film of the present application further comprises printing onto the BOPP and the pro-degradation agent with ink and/or solvent. In some embodiments, the ink is flexographic ink.

[0067] In another aspect, the present application includes a process of manufacturing the food packaging material of the present application comprising cutting the bi-laminated film of the present application to obtain trimmed film; and sealing the trimmed film into the food packaging material.
EXAMPLES

[0068] The following non-limiting examples are illustrative of the present application:
I. General Methods and Materials

[0069] Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) was purchased from Marco Polo International Inc, NY, US (MarpolTm EVA 1802). Adhesive MORFREETM 980/CR-85 was purchased from The Dow Chemical Company. D2WTM was purchased from Symphony International, Hertfordshire, UK. BOPP film was obtained from Oben Holding Group, Peru.

[0070] The printing, extrusion, lamination, cutting and sealing of plastic polymer layers and films were performed according to the commonly acceptable practices in the industry. A
person skilled in the art would readily understand the abovementioned techniques.
II. LDPE Film with Pro-degradation Agent

[0071] LDPE film containing 1% D2W was made by extrusion. A 50pm transparent plastic film of LDPE with D2W was send for testing at Eurofins Product Testing Spain S.L.
The film was tested for UV aging, presence of heavy metal and toxic elements, and biodegradability according to standard ASTM 6954 Tiers 1 and 2 (Report No.
9882/16/1937, 9882/16/6646-M1), and for ecotoxicological effects according to standard ASTM
6954 Tier 3 (Report No. 17001074).
UV Aging, Toxicity and Biodegradability

[0072] The molecular weight of the LDPE film after 120 hours of UV
exposure was found to be less than 5000 g/mol by gel permeation chromatography. The UV aged sample was tested for presence of heavy metal and toxic elements. The concentrations of regulated metals and other toxic substances did not exceed the values in Spanish Association for Standardisation UNE-EN ISO 13432:2000 Table A.1 of the Annex A. Further, the LDPE film with 1 /0 D2W after UV aging was found to be 88.86% biodegraded under aerobic composting conditions after 121 days, meeting the biodegradability requirement of standard ASTM 6954 Tier 2. The testing method of biodegradability is reflected in the UNE-EN ISO
14855-1:2013.
Ecotoxicological Effects

[0073] The compost from the biodegraded LDPE film with 1% D2W was tested for ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial plants and on earthworms in accordance with standard ASTM 6954 Tier 3. The degraded residue of LDPE film with 1% D2W was found to be non-toxic to terrestrial plants according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline 208. The degraded residue of LDPE film with 1%
D2W was found to be non-toxic to earthworms according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guideline 207.

III. Manufacture of Bi-Laminated Film

[0074] An exemplary bi-laminated film was produced with the following material using the abovementioned general method:
= Oxo-biodegradable BOPP (BOPP and D2WTM, in some instances 1% D2W) = Ink(s) = Adhesive = Oxo-biodegradable LDPE (PEBD: LDPE and D2W), optionally with EVA.

[0075]
The bi-laminated film using BOPP/PEBD and the packaging material thereof was certified to contain oxo-biodegradation agent D2W. (No. R0511, RUC:
808623110).
IV.
Technical Properties of BOPP/LDPE Bi-Laminated Film and Food Packaging Material

[0076] An exemplary bi-laminated film was made with oxo-biodegradable BOPP and oxo-biodegradable LDPE as the first and the second layer according to the abovementioned general methods. D2WTM was used as pro-degradation agent. EVA was used as an additive in the LDPE layer. The substrates used and their thickness and grammage are listed in Table 1.
Table 1 Examples of Substrates for Bi-Laminated Film Substrate Thickness (pm) Grammage (g/m2) Inks 2.00 Oxo-biodegradable BOPP 20 18.10 Adhesive (MOR-FREETm --- 2.00 980/CR-85) Oxo-biodegradable LDPE 106 97.90 Total Nominal 120

[0077]
The bi-laminated film was cut and sealed to produce an exemplary food packaging material in the shape of a pouch. The sealed food packaging material was inspected visually and with calibrator and tape measures. The measurements of the food packaging material and the sealing are presented in Table 2.

Table 2 Dimensions of Bi-Laminated Film and Measurements of Food Packaging Material Type of sealing:
Method of Tolerance standard sealing pouch Inspection Width (mm) 503 +3 Tape measure Length (mm) 176 +5 Tape measure Thickness (pm) 120 +3 Caliper Colour White Visual inspection According to Visual inspection Food Packaging sample (example Material Design includes a bag)

[0078]
The sealed food packaging material was further tested for grammage, adhesion strength, sealing strength, coefficient of friction of the inner side (LDPE
layer) and of the outer side (BOPP layer). Further, permeability to water vapour and oxygen was measured. The results are presented in Table 3.
Table 3 Technical Properties of the Food Packaging Material Property Testing Standard Tolerance Units method value Grammage ME1OGEN008 120 10 g/m2 Adhesion strength ME1OGEN028 >400 (BOPP/LDPE) Sealing strength ME1OGEN030 >800 Static Coefficient of Friction ME1OGEN034 = Inner side (LDPE) 0.25 10 Dimensionless = Outer side (BOPP) 0.19 10 Dimensionless Permeability to Water Vapour ASTM F-1249 <1.94 g/m2 /24h Permeability to Oxygen ASTM D-3985 <1183 g/m2 /24h V.
Technical Properties of BOPP/LDPE-EVA Bi-Laminated Film and Food Packaging Material

[0079]
The bi-laminated film was tested using the general methods as described above for its permeability to water vapour and oxygen. Other properties including grammage and caliber was also tested. The technical properties of the bi-laminated film are presented in Table 4.

Table 4 Technical Properties of the Bi-Laminated Film Width (mm) +3 Length(mm) +2 Grammage (g/m2) +8 Calibre ( /0) +8 Water vapour transmission 1.34 (ASTM F-1249) Oxygen transmission (ASTM-D3985) VI. Examples of Bi-laminated Film and Food Packaging Material thereof

[0080] Three exemplary batches of bi-laminated film were produced.
Food packaging material, sometimes in the shape of bags, was produced with the bi-laminated film. The manufacture details and technical properties of each batch are provided for illustrative purposes.

[0081] All products were manipulated according to industry hygiene best practices.
Materials were stored at dry conditions below 30 C. Exposure to localized heat sources above 45 C was avoided.
Batch The manufacture detail and technical properties of batch 1 of bi-laminated film and food packaging material are shown in Tables 5 to 7. Manufacturer lot number of Batch 1 is 31-07-5787. The design printed is "Le Soleil Du Sud 40/60".
Table 5 Examples of Substrates for Bi-Laminated Film for Batch 1 Thickness Grammage Substrate Tolerance Tolerance (pm) (g/m2) According to Inks 1.50 printed area Oxo-biodegradable 20.2 19-20 18.30 17.2-19 BOPP
Adhesive (MOR-FREETm 980/CR- 2.00 1.5-3.5 85) , , ____________________________________________________________________ , _____________ Oxo-biodegradable 115.00 103.5-126.5 106.00 95.4-116.6 PE with EVA
Total Nominal 135.20 120.3-150.1 127.8 115-140.6 Table 6 Dimensions of Bi-Laminated Film and Measurements of Food Packaging Material Batch 1 Type of sealing: Standard Results Method of Tolerance U-shaped pouch Value measurement Width (mm) 180 179.1 +2 Tape measure Length (mm) 251.5 248.6 3 Tape measure Thickness (pm) 130 123.7 10 Caliper Gusset --- 0.0 3 Caliper Grammage 126 127.8 11%

Width of sealing 10 9.53 2 Tape measure edge Table 7 Technical Properties of the Food Packaging Material Batch 1 Testing Standard Property Tolerance Units method value Grammage ME1OGEN008 126 11%
gin.12 Temperature of side seal --- 209 10 C
Adhesion strength (BOPP/LDPE) ME1OGEN028 >480 ---g-f/25.4 mm Sealing strength ME1OGEN030 >1200 ---g-f/25.4 mm Static Coefficient of Friction ME1OGEN034 ---= Inner side (PE) --- 0.25 --- Dimensionless = Outer side (BOPP) 0.2 --- Dimensionless Permeability to Water Vapour ASTM F-1249 1.88 ---g/m2 /24h Permeability to Oxygen ASTM D-3985 1153.64 ---g/m2 /24h Batch 2 The manufacture detail and technical properties of batch 2 of bi-laminated film and food packaging material are shown in Tables 8 to 10. Manufacturer lot number of Batch 2 is 31-07-5788. The design printed is "LE SOLEIL DU SUD CREVETTE SAUVAGE
D'ARGENTINE".

, Table 8 Examples of Substrates for Bi-Laminated Film for Batch 2 Thickness Grammage Substrate Tolerance Tolerance (Pm) (g/m2) According to Inks --- --- 1.50 printed area Oxo-biodegradable 20.2 19-20 18.30 17.2-19 BOPP
Adhesive (MOR-FREETm 980/CR- --- --- 2.00 1.5-3.5 85) Oxo-biodegradable 110.00 99-121 106.00 95.4-116.6 PE with EVA
Total Nominal 130.20 117.2-143.2 127.8 115-140.6 Table 9 Dimensions of Bi-Laminated Film and Measurements of Food Packaging Material Batch 2 Type of sealing: Standard Results Method of Tolerance U-shaped pouch Value measurement Width (mm) 180 179.1 2 Tape measure Length (mm) 251.5 248.4 3 Tape measure Thickness (pm) 130 140.4 10 Caliper Gusset --- 0.0 3 Caliper Grammage 126 127.8 11% ME1 Width of sealing Tape measure 9.56 2 edge Table 10 Technical Properties of the Food Packaging Material Batch 2 Testing Standard Property Tolerance Units method value Grammage ME1OGEN008 126 10 g/m2 Temperature of side seal --- 209 10 C
Adhesion strength ME1OGEN028 >480 ---g-f/25.4 mm (BOPP/LDPE) Sealing strength ME1OGEN030 >1200 ---g-f/25.4 mm Static Coefficient of Friction ME1OGEN034 --- ---= Inner side (PE) ---0.25 --- Dimensionless = Outer side (BOPP) 0.2 Dimensionless Permeability to Water Vapour ASTM F-1249 1.88 g/m2 /24h Permeability to Oxygen ASTM D-3985 1153.64 g/m2 /24h

[0082] While the present application has been described with reference to what are presently considered to be the preferred examples, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0083] All publications, patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims (70)

CLAIMS:

1. A bi-laminated film comprising a first layer comprising bi-orientated polypropylene (BOPP) and a first pro-degradation agent;
a second layer comprising polyethylene (PE) and a second pro-degradation agent; and an adhesive comprised between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the bi-laminated film is oxo-degradable, biodegradable, and/or oxo-biodegradable.

2. The bi-laminated film of claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second pro-degradation agent is a free radical initiator.

3. The bi-laminated film of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and/or second pro-degradation agent is a metal catalyst.

4. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adhesive is polyurethane based adhesive.

5. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the PE is low density PE
(LDPE).

6. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first layer further comprises ink and/or solvent.

7. The bi-laminated film of claim 6, wherein the ink is flexographic ink.

8. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second layer further comprises additive.

9. The bi-laminated film of claim 8, wherein the additive is ethylenevinylacetate (EVA).

10. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second layer is configured to contact food.

11. The bi-laminated film of claim 10, wherein the second layer is configured to contact frozen food.

12. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first layer and the second layer are laminated or rolled together through the adhesive.

13. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bi-laminated film has water steam transmission rate of from about 0.5 to about 2.5 g/m2/24h measured by ASTM
F-1249.

14. The bi-laminated film of claim 13, wherein the water steam transmission rate is from about 1.0 to about 2.0 g/m2/24h measured by ASTM F-1249.

15. The bi-laminated film of claim 13 or 14, wherein the water steam transmission rate is from about 1.2 to about 1.5 g/m2/24h measured by ASTM F-1249.

16. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the water steam transmission rate is about 1.34 g/m2/24h.

17. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the bi-laminated film has oxygen transmission rate of from about 500 to about 2500 cc/m2/24h as measured by ASTM-D3985.

18. The bi-laminated film of claim 17, wherein the oxygen transmission rate is from about 750 to about 2000 cc/m2/24h.

19. The bi-laminated film of claim 17 or 18, wherein the oxygen transmission rate is from about 1000 to about 1500 cc/m2/24h.

20. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the oxygen transmission rate is about 1183 cc/m2/24h.

21. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the bi-laminated film has thickness of from about 50 to about 250 µm.

22. The bi-laminated film of claim 21, wherein the bi-laminated film has thickness of from about 75 to about 200 µm.

23. The bi-laminated film of claim 21 or 22, wherein the bi-laminated film has thickness of from about 100 to about 150 µm.

24. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the thickness of about 120 pm.

25. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the bi-laminated film has coefficient of friction of from about 0.05 to about 0.5.

26. The bi-laminated film of claim 25, wherein the coefficient of friction is from about 0.1 to 0.3.

27. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the bi-laminated film has grammage of from about 2 to about 15 g/m2.

28. The bi-laminated film of claim 27, wherein the grammage is from about 5 to about 10 g/m2.

29. The bi-laminated film of claim 27 or 28, wherein the grammage is about 8 g/m2.

30. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the first layer and the second layer together represent at least 80% w/w, at least 85% w/w, at least 90% w/w, or at least 95% w/w of the bi-laminated film.

31. The bi-laminated film of claim 30, wherein the first layer and the second layer together represent about 99% w/w of the bi-laminated film.

32. The bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the bi-laminated film is about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or about 95% biodegraded, oxo-degraded or oxo-biodegraded after about 90 days, 100 days, or 121 days.

33. A food packaging material comprising the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. The food packaging material of claim 33, wherein the food packaging material is a pouch or a bag.

35. The food packaging material of claim 33 or 34, wherein the food packaging material is for use with frozen food.

36. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the bi-laminated film has water steam transmission rate of from about 0.5 to about 2.5 g/m2/24h measured by ASTM F-1249.

37. The food packaging material of claim 36, wherein the water steam transmission rate is from about 1.0 to about 2.0 g/m2/24h.

38. The food packaging material of claim 36 or 37, wherein the water steam transmission rate is from about 1.2 to about 1.5 g/m2/24h.

39. The food packaging material of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the water steam transmission rate is about 1.34 g/m2/24h.

40. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the food packaging material has oxygen transmission rate of from about 500 to about 250 cc/m2/24h as measured by ASTM-D3985.

41. The food packaging material of claim 40, wherein the oxygen transmission rate is from about 750 to about 2000 cc/m2/24h.

42. The food packaging material of claim 40 to 41, wherein the oxygen transmission rate is from about 1000 to about 1500 cc/m2/24h.

43. The food packaging material of any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the oxygen transmission rate is about 1183 cc/m2/24h.

44. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 43, wherein the food packaging material has thickness of from about 50 to about 250 µm.

45. The food packaging material of claim 44, wherein the food packaging material has thickness of from about 75 to about 200 pm.

46. The food packaging material of claim 44 or 45, wherein the food packaging material has thickness of from about 100 to about 150 pm.

47. The food packaging material of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the thickness of about 120 pm.

48. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 47, wherein the food packaging material has coefficient of friction of from about 0.05 to about 0.5.

49. The food packaging material of claim 48, wherein the coefficient of friction is from about 0.1 to 0.3.

50. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 49, wherein the food packaging material has grammage of from about 2 to about 15 g/m2.

51. The food packaging material of claim 50, wherein the grammage is from about 5 to about 10 g/m2.

52. The food packaging material of claim 50 or 51, wherein the grammage is about 8 g/m2.

53. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 52, wherein the food packaging material is about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% oxo-degraded, biodegraded, and/or oxo-biodegraded after about 90 days, 100 days, or 120 days.

54. The food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 53, wherein the first layer and the second layer of the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32 together represent at least 80% w/w, at least 85% w/w, at least 90% w/w, or at least 95% w/w of the bi-laminated film.

55. The food packaging material of claim 54, wherein the first layer and the second layer of the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32 together represent about 99% w/w of the bi-laminated film.

56. Method of packaging food product comprising packaging the food product with the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32, or with the food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 55.

57. The method of packaging food product of claim 56, wherein the food product is frozen.

58. Method of preserving food product comprising packaging the food product with the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32, or with the food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 55.

59. The method of preserving food product of claim 58, wherein the food product is frozen.

60. Use of the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32 to package food.

61. The use of claim 60, wherein the food is frozen.

62. Use of the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32 to preserve food.

63. The use of claim 62, wherein the food is frozen.

64. Use of the food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 55 to package food.

65. The use of claim 62, wherein the food is frozen.

66. Use of the food packaging material of any one of claims 32 to 53 to preserve food.

67. The use of claim 66, wherein the food is frozen.

68. Process of manufacturing the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32 comprising extruding the PE and the second pro-degradation agent to obtain the second layer; and rolling or laminating the first layer and the second layer together with the adhesive to obtain the bi-laminated film.

69. The process of claim 68 of manufacturing the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 6 to 32 further comprising printing on the BOPP and the first pro-degradation agent with the ink and/or the solvent to obtain the first layer.

70.
Process of manufacturing the food packaging material of any one of claims 33 to 55 comprising cutting the bi-laminated film of any one of claims 1 to 32 to obtain trimmed film; and sealing the trimmed film into the food packaging material.