EP2227393A2

EP2227393A2 - Method for making a packaging material, in particular for a container for a cosmetic or care product or for a display rack, method for making a sheath, and corresponding packaging material

Info

Publication number: EP2227393A2
Application number: EP08863629A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alain Bethune
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2007-12-19
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2010-09-15
Also published as: WO2009081039A3; WO2009081039A2; US20100316855A1; FR2925390A1; FR2925390B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for making a packaging material for making sheaths, in particular for a cosmetic or care product or for making display racks, wherein said method comprises the steps of: collecting a thermoplastic film from a supply roll; printing the film on at least one face thereof in order to produce a polychrome pattern for each sheath; and depositing the printed film using glue onto a plate-shaped substrate.

Description

Method of manufacturing a packaging material, in particular for a container for a cosmetic or care product or for a display, a method of manufacturing a case and corresponding packaging material

The invention relates generally to the manufacture of cases, in particular for containers for storing and dispensing a cosmetic or care product or placards for point - of - sale displays (POS).

"Cosmetic or care product" means a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 13 June 1993.

Traditionally, packaging, in particular cardboard packaging, are made from cardboard sheets printed in offset, cut, glued and then volume to form a holster.

In order to improve the surface condition of the paperboard and to impart a glossy appearance to the packaging, the paperboard sheets are, after printing, varnished or covered with a film coating film. A gilding press can still be used to deposit a golden paver by hot stamping.

Generally, the number of colors to be printed is greater than the number of positions of the offset printing machine, and in complementary printing techniques.

It is therefore necessary to perform several consecutive printing operations for the printing of all the colors. The printing of a sheet of cardboard plate is therefore relatively long to perform. In any case, it requires specific printing machines and little widespread.

In addition, when a varnish is deposited on the printed cardboard for the purpose of providing an ultra-glossy appearance to the package, the varnish is generally deposited at an elevated temperature, for example of the order of 1 15 °, in humid atmosphere, which leads to a relatively high energy consumption and requires the use of a high quality board compatible with the humid environment coupled to a high temperature of about 1 15 ° C.

It should be noted in this regard that the hot stamping remains fragile since it is deposited on the surface.

It is also known, in the state of the art, to preprint a plastic film, for example in offset, and to stick the printed film on a cardboard taken continuously from a cardboard supply reel, the cardboard thus coated with the printed film being then cut, glued and shaped to achieve a finished case.

This technique also has a number of disadvantages, insofar as the case blank is generally bent due to the fact that the carton from which it is made is wound into a coil. This bending phenomenon appears more and more as the unwinding of the reel takes place, given the decrease in the radius of the reel and the consequent increase in the curvature of the cardboard in the reel. This phenomenon generates relatively large waste, the portions closest to the mandrel of the coil being generally not used. The shaping of such cases is difficult to mechanize given the bending of the blank.

In this regard, reference may be made to document US 2007/0196603 which describes such a technique for producing a case.

As is conceivable, the traditional techniques of making a case, especially made of cardboard, have a number of major drawbacks relating either to the fact that they require specific machines, a relatively long printing phase to implement , and a cardboard of increased quality, that is to say that they generate relatively large rejects.

In addition, when the carton is taken from a feed reel, there may be problems adjusting the position of the carton.

Finally, it should be noted that, when it is desired to obtain a satin-finished visual rendering and to confer a particular tactile impression, it is necessary to use thermal varnishes, for example of the type acrylic, which can be applied to cartons only by means of specific machines with appropriate drying devices.

In view of the above, there is a need for a method of manufacturing a packaging material, for example of cardboard, which overcomes all or part of the disadvantages of the state of the art and, in particular , a method of manufacturing a packaging material in which the printing operation is facilitated, in which it is possible to use a lower quality cardboard for example from the recycling of waste collected (in English language) "Post-consumer recycles"), in which cardboard waste is reduced or even eliminated.

The object of the invention is therefore, according to a first aspect, a method of manufacturing a packaging material for the production of cases, in particular for the packaging of containers for storing and dispensing a cosmetic product or for care or for the realization of displays, which includes the steps of:

- taking a thermoplastic film from a supply reel;

- printing of the film of ¹ to at least one of its faces so as to produce, for each case, a multi-color pattern; and

- Deposit by bonding the printed film on a plate support. Thus, thanks to the printing of the patterns, not on the cardboard but on a thermoplastic film, it is possible to use conventional printing techniques and therefore widely used printing machines.

In addition, by depositing the film on a plate support, it eliminates waste generated when the support is taken from a coil.

Finally, it should be noted that the printing of ink being performed on the thermoplastic film and not on the cardboard, it is possible to use lower quality cartons with lower mechanical rigidity compensated by the contribution of the film. According to another characteristic of the method according to the invention, the film is made of a material transparent to light and is printed on its face intended to be applied on the support.

This gives a very brilliant visual rendering, and a deep impression of the patterns, which was traditionally obtained by depositing a relatively expensive calender varnish.

According to yet another characteristic, the method further comprises a step of embossing the support.

It will be noted that the support is advantageously cardboard in plate.

The carton may be a carton selected from a cellulose based carton, a chrome coated carton, a wood based carton, or a GT grade carton.

For example, the thickness of the carton is from about 300 to about 600 microns.

According to another characteristic of the process, the film is continuously deposited on juxtaposed cardboard plates fed continuously. There is then further provided a step of cutting the plastic film between the cardboard plates.

Each cardboard plate may be rectangular, ranging in length from about 60 cm to about 140 cm, and from about 40 cm to about 100 cm wide.

As regards the film, it may be a film formed from a composition comprising at least one polymer chosen from cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene and -oriented (BOPP), and poly lactic acid (PLA).

The thickness of this film may be between about 10 microns and 50 microns, preferably between 12 and 36 microns.

According to one embodiment, the film is a self-adhesive film, in particular a film coated with an adhesive based on an acrylic adhesive.

The film may be, in another embodiment, glued by means of a water-based glue or a hot glue. According to yet another characteristic of the method, the printing step comprises successive steps of depositing a color ink.

It may further comprise a step of depositing at least one ink charged with metal particles, subsequent to the color ink deposition steps.

In this case, prior to the deposit of ink loaded with metal particles, a layer of translucent colored varnish can be deposited.

The lacquer is then dried before depositing the ink charged with metal particles.

It is also possible during printing to print a registration pattern for indexing a subsequent cutting step.

The subject of the invention is also, according to a second aspect, a method of manufacturing cases, in particular for a storage and dispensing container of a cosmetic or care product, comprising the steps of:

- taking a thermoplastic film from a supply reel;

printing the film on at least one of its faces so as to produce, for each case, a polychrome pattern;

depositing by gluing the printed film on a plate support;

cutting of the support coated with the printed film; and

- setting volume of each case.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another aspect, a packaging material for the production of cases, in particular for a storage and dispensing container for a cosmetic or care product or for producing display units, comprising a plate of base material coated with a thermoplastic film printed with polychromatic patterns formed by printing said film.

According to another characteristic of this material, the base material is cardboard. With regard to the film, this is a transparent thermoplastic film, the printed side of the film being turned towards the base material plate.

It includes, for example, UV filters, which makes it possible to hold inks in the light and prevents the yellowing of the support if it is white.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a printing plant of a thermoplastic film;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a collage installation of a plastic film printed on cardboard plates;

- Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a packaging material obtained by means of the installation of Figure 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus for shaping cases from cardboard plates obtained by means of the installation of FIG. 2; and

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, we will first describe the main steps of a method of manufacturing a packaging material for the realization of cases for cosmetic or care product.

In the exemplary embodiment envisaged, the packaging material is based on cardboard.

Note, however, that it is not beyond the scope of the invention when any other type of material suitable for the intended use is used instead of the carton.

However, in the example of implementation envisaged, the packaging material consists of cardboard plates P coated with a film F of preprinted thermoplastic material.

Insofar as the printing is carried out on the thermoplastic film and not directly on the cardboard, it is possible to use cartons of lower quality than if one printed directly on the cardboard.

Thus, for example, cellulose-based cardboard, for example pure cellulose board, of SBS quality, or chromium-coated board of GGZ quality, or wood-based board, for example an all-wood board, is used. GC grade or GT quality board, such as recycled board with good surface smoothness.

However, any other type of cardboard can also be used, a wide choice of qualities being allowed thanks to the printing performed on the thermoplastic film.

It will also be noted that the thermoplastic film, bonded to the cardboard plates, increases the rigidity of the carton so that it is possible to use cartons of reduced thickness and weight, of the order of 5 to 10% with respect to printing techniques on cardboard.

In this respect, it is possible to use, for example, cartons with a thickness of between 300 and 600 microns depending on the weight of the container to be packaged.

As regards the thermoplastic film, a light-transparent thermoplastic film will preferably be used, the printing being carried out on the face of the film intended to be applied against the cardboard plates P, which makes it possible to protect the printing of the external aggressions, and provides depth and brilliance to the colors, while avoiding to provide an expensive calender varnish.

It is possible, for example, to use a thermoplastic film formed from a composition comprising at least one polymer chosen from cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP). ), and poly lactic acid (PLA).

Note however that cellulose acetate and BOPP are advantageous in that they make it possible to obtain a very transparent film, PLA being, in turn, advantageous because of its biodegradability. Referring to Figure 1, the film F is printed by means of an installation comprising a set of successive stations each performing one of the printing operations.

The film is taken from a coil B, for example containing a film having a length of 2000 to 4000 m long and a thickness of between 10 and 50 microns, preferably between 12 and 36 microns.

As indicated above, it is printed on one of its faces intended to be applied against the plates P.

Note however that it is also possible, alternatively, to provide an impression of the two mutually opposite sides of the film according to the visual impression that is desired to give the finished product.

The installation shown in FIG. 1 comprises several printing stations C 1,..., C n, each ensuring the printing of a color. After printing, the printed film is wrapped around a receiving coil B '.

If desired, depending on the nature of the patterns to be produced, it is possible, as illustrated, to provide, downstream from the printing stations C 1,..., C n, additional stations for depositing an ink loaded with particles. metal to give the finished product a metallic appearance, for example a silver or gold effect.

Therefore, downstream from the printing stations C 1,..., C n, there will be provided a station M for depositing a metallized ink, for example an ink based on particles of aluminum, platinum or magnesium.

However, if the metallized appearance desired for the finished packaging is gilded or colored, a transparent ink dyed by means of a post will be deposited on the printed film prior to depositing the metallized ink. printing T downstream of the printing stations C l, ..., Cn.

Advantageously, a drying station S is provided upstream from the metallization station M in order to dry the varnish prior to depositing the metallized ink. In this respect, it will be possible either to use an infrared drying, so as to carry out a thermal drying, or a UV drying station, so as to carry out drying by crosslinking.

With regard to the printing stations C 1,..., C n, used for printing the colors on the film F, various types of printing techniques can be used.

In this respect, flexographic or rotogravure can be used, particularly suitable for long runs in which a high quality of reproduction is required, or screen printing, which allows a strong deposit of ink and thus guarantees an intense color and good opacity.

As regards the printing of the silver ink, it is also possible to use a rotogravure, flexographic or, preferably, screen printing technique which makes it possible, as indicated previously, to obtain a good metallic rendering by authorizing a strong ink deposit.

During printing, various types of inks can be used.

It is possible, for example, to use the inks referenced Quicksilver ™ SF 01 or SF 02 of the XYMARA ™ range, the company CIBA ™ for flat screen printing.

The tinted ink deposited at the station T may consist of a dye marketed by CIBA ^M under the trademarks Microlyte A ™ or Orasol ™.

Note however that for the gilding of the film, it may optionally, instead of the deposit of the metallized ink preceded by the deposition of the tinted transparent ink (T station), use a gilding process film, such as the technique known as "foil blocking" in the English language, which consists in depositing a metallized film on the. thermoplastic film.

As indicated above, after printing, the film is wrapped around a receiving coil B '.

With reference to FIG. 2, the film is then continuously deposited on juxtaposed plates P and fed continuously. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic film may be a self-adhesive type film, that is to say previously coated with an adhesive, for example of acrylic type. However, as illustrated, one can provide, alternatively, a gluing station C adapted to deposit on the cardboard sheets a transparent glue, preferably a glue without solvent.

In this respect, it will be possible to use either a water-based glue or a hot glue ("holt melt" glue, in English language), such as the glue marketed by BOSTIK ™ under the reference TLH 4191.

After deposition, the plates coated with the printed thermoplastic film are presented at a cutting station D at which the film is transversely cut, considering the direction of advance of the plates, at the upstream and downstream edges of the plates. Film falls between plates are recycled.

Thus, at the output of the film bonding installation, a set of plates P each coated with a film F comprising a set of printed polychromatic patterns m each corresponding to a blank of case to be produced (FIG. 3).

It should be noted in this respect that, for example, during the printing of the film, a matrix of a set of polychromatic patterns is produced simultaneously, for example a matrix of 1 to 36 patterns and preferably between 4 and 16 motifs. , each corresponding to a blank case.

Thus, in a subsequent phase of the process, visible in FIG. 4, each plate coated with the printed film (station D ') is cut so as to separate the blanks from the plate. In the case where the blanks are not all intended for the realization of the same case, they are subsequently separated.

We then proceed to a gluing (station E ') then to a volume of the blanks so as to form a case E.

It will be noted that during these steps of sizing and shaping cuts, the marking of each blank is carried out thanks to the presence of an indexing point constituting a registration pattern, used to position and orient the blank in cutting and gluing stations.

For example, this indexing pattern is performed by means of one of the printing stations C1,..., Cn.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a packaging material for making cases, in particular for packaging containers for storing and dispensing a cosmetic or care product or for producing displays, characterized in that it includes the steps of:

- taking a thermoplastic film from a supply reel;

printing the film on at least one of its faces so as to produce, for each case, a polychrome pattern; and

depositing by gluing the printed film on a plate support; the film being made of a material transparent to light, and printed on its face intended to be applied against the support.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a step of embossing the support.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the support is plate board.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that carton is selected from a cellulose-based cardboard, a chrome coated cardboard, a wood-based cardboard, and a GT-grade cardboard.

5. Method according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the thickness of the board is between about 300 microns and about 600 microns.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the film is continuously deposited on continuously fed jelly plates, and in that it further comprises a step of cutting the film. plastic in the cardboard plates.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that each cardboard plate is rectangular, of length between about 60 cm and 140 cm, and width between about 40 cm and 100 cm.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that thermoplastic film is a film formed from of a composition comprising at least one polymer selected from cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and poly lactic acid (PLA).

9. The method of claim 8, characterized in that the thickness of the film is between about 10 and 50 microns, preferably between 12 and 36 microns.

10. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the film is a self-adhesive film, in particular a film coated with an adhesive based on an acrylic adhesive.

Process according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the film is adhered with a water-based adhesive.

12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the film is glued by means of a hot glue.

13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the printing step comprises successive steps of depositing a color ink.

14. The method of claim 13, characterized in that the printing step further comprises a step of depositing at least one ink loaded with metal particles, subsequent to the color ink deposition steps.

15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that prior to the deposit of ink loaded with metal particles, is deposited a layer of colored varnish.

16. The method of claim 15, characterized in that one carries out a drying of the varnish before the deposition of the ink charged with metal particles.

17. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that during printing, a registration pattern is printed for the indexing of a subsequent cutting step.

18. A method of manufacturing cases, in particular for a storage and dispensing container of a cosmetic or care product, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - taking a thermoplastic film transparent to light from a supply reel;

depositing by gluing the printed film on a plate support, the printed face of the film being turned towards the plate support;

cutting of the support coated with the printed film; and

- setting volume of each case.

19. Packaging material for the production of cases, in particular for a container for the storage and dispensing of a cosmetic or care product or for the production of displays, characterized in that it comprises a plate of base material coated with a printed thermoplastic film of polychromatic patterns formed by pre-printing said film, the film being a transparent thermoplastic film and the printed face of the film facing the base material plate.

20. Material according to claim 19, characterized in that the base material plate is made of cardboard.

21. Material according to any one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that the film comprises UV filters.