EP4617186A1

EP4617186A1 - A packaging blank for producing a sealed package and package

Info

Publication number: EP4617186A1
Application number: EP25157158.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giovanni PALLAORO; Marcello Barbieri; Marco INSERO; Stefano Piccinini
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-03-14
Filing date: 2025-02-11
Publication date: 2025-09-17
Also published as: WO2025190580A1

Abstract

There is described a packaging blank (2, 2', 2'', 2‴) comprising one base layer (3) for imparting stiffness, a plurality of lamination layers (4) applied to and covering both sides of the base layer (3), an opening (9) which is formed by a through slot provided in the base layer (3) and a separation membrane (10) covering the opening (9). The opening (9) extends along a first axis (F) and a second axis (G) perpendicular to the first axis (F). A first extension (E1) of the opening (9) along the first axis (F) is larger than a second extension (E2) along the second axis (G). The opening (9) comprises a first end (17) and a second end (18) distanced from one another along the first axis (F), a first line of weakness (11) and a second line of weakness (12). Both the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) extend away from the opening (9).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multilayer sheet packaging material for producing packages of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
Additionally, the present invention relates to a package of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.
As is known, many pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging material. A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by folding and sealing laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminium foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product. Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging machines, on which a continuous tube is formed from the web-fed packaging material; the web of packaging material is sterilized on the packaging machine, e.g. by applying a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide solution, which, once sterilization is completed, is removed from the surfaces of the packaging material, e.g. evaporated by heating; the web so sterilized is then maintained in a closed, sterile environment, and is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube, which is fed vertically. In order to complete the forming operations, the tube is filled with the sterilized or sterile-processed food product and is sealed and subsequently cut along equally spaced cross sections; pillow packs are so obtained, which are then folded mechanically to form respective finished packages. Alternatively, the packaging material may be cut into blanks, which are formed into packages on forming spindles, and the packages are then filled with the food product and sealed. One example of this type of package is the so-called "gable-top" package known by the trade name Tetra Rex (registered trademark).
To open the above packages, these are normally provided with a removable portion, which is partly detached by an opening device from the rest of the packaging material to free a pour opening through which to pour out the product. Typically, the removable portion is formed on the packaging material prior to folding and sealing the packaging material to form the finished package.
The removable portion normally comprises a so-called "prelaminated" hole, i.e. a hole formed through the base layer only of the packaging material and covered, when the material is laminated, with the layers of heat-seal plastic material and a layer of barrier material, which adhere to one another at the hole. The "prelaminated" hole is normally circular, although other shapes may be foreseen as disclosed in patent documents EP-A-2287082 and EP-A-3260386 in the name of Tetra Laval.
Normally, the package comprises an opening device comprising a frame, defining a spout and fitted about the removable portion of the package, a removable cap, for example screwed to the outside of the frame to close the spout, and a substantially tubular cylindrical cutter, screwed inside the frame and configured to rupture the removable portion during a first aperture of the package. Normally, such opening devices are made of plastic material.
Recently, research is focusing on reducing plastic consumption in order to increase the sustainability of packages.
In particular, research is also focusing on providing reusable opening devices that may be used several times, for several packages. In this case, the packages are not provided with an opening device applied thereto. The consumer has at hand an opening device, which is considered to be used with different packages. In particular the consumer needs to firstly apply the opening device onto the package, then outpour the pourable product and, once the package is empty, remove the opening device to use it again on another package.
Hence, a need is felt to provide a package which is suitable to receive a re-usable opening device. In particular, need is felt to provide a package having an opening covered with a separation membrane which allows to tightly receive a re-usable opening device, so that during outpour of the liquid product, no drops of liquid product drip along the package.
In addition, a need is felt to provide a package having an opening covered with a separation membrane for receiving a re-usable opening device wherein the opening can be cleanly cut by the cutter of the opening device, with no fraying interfering with pout-out of the food product.
In addition, a need is felt to provide a package having an opening covered with a separation membrane for receiving a re-usable opening device wherein the opening together with the separation membrane does not inadvertently rupture during storage and transportation of the package.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a packaging blank, for producing sealed packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, which overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.
It is also aim of the present invention to provide a package of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, which overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.
These aims are fully achieved by the packaging blank and by the package according to the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Four non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a packaging blank according to the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a packaging blank according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a package according to a first embodiment of the present invention and being formed from the packaging blank of Figure 2;
Figures 4A to 4C illustrate the perforation of the package of Figure 3 by means of an opening device;
Figure 5 illustrates a packaging blank according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a package according to a second embodiment of the present invention and being formed from the packaging blank of Figure 5;
Figure 7 illustrates a packaging blank according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a package according to a third embodiment of the present invention and being formed from the packaging blank of Figure 7;
Figure 9 illustrates a packaging blank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 10 illustrates a package according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and being formed from the packaging blank of Figure 9.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The elements and features illustrated in the various preferred embodiments, including drawings, may be combined with each other without going beyond the scope of protection of this application as described below.
Number 1 in Figure 3 indicates a package filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, such as pasteurized milk, milk, milk-products, drinking yoghurt, yoghurt-drinks, beverages, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc.
In more detail, package 1 may be formed from a packaging blank 2 as e.g. shown in Figure 2.
More specifically, each package 1 may be formed from one respective packaging blank 2 by means of an automatic packaging machine.
The automatic packaging machine may be configured to form packages 1 from the respective packaging blanks 2 and to fill packages 1 with the pourable product.
As shown in Figure 1, packaging blanks 2 have a multilayer structure.
In more detail, each packaging blank 2 comprises at least a base layer 3, in particular a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two lamination layers 4, in particular layers of heat-seal plastic material 4, e.g. polyethylene, interposing connected to and covering base layer 3.
Base layer 3 imparts stiffness on packaging blank 2.
One of these two lamination layers 4 defines an inner face of the respective package 1 formed from the respective packaging blank 2 and eventually contacting the pourable product.
Preferably but not necessarily, each packaging blank 2 may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material 5 as a further lamination layer, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of lamination layers 4 and base layer 3. Preferentially but not necessarily, packaging blank 2 may also comprise a further lamination layer 4 being connected to layer of gas- and light-barrier material 5.
Packaging blanks 2 may be provided in the form of a web.
In more detail, the web may be formed from a plurality of successively arranged packaging blanks 2.
In other words, the successively arranged packaging blanks 2 define a plurality of repeat units of the web. In particular, each repeat unit (i.e. the respective packaging blank 2) forms the precursor of one respective package 1.
Preferentially, the packaging machine may be configured to produce packages 1 from the web such that each package 1 results from one respective packaging blank 2.
In particular, each packaging blank 2 may comprise a desired pattern/decoration.
Alternatively, each packaging blank 2 may be provided as a single packaging blank.
With particular reference to Figure 3, package 1 may extend along a longitudinal axis A, preferentially also along a first transversal axis B perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and a second transversal axis C perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and first transversal axis B.
Advantageously, an extension, i.e. a dimension, of package 1 along longitudinal axis A may be larger than respective extensions, i.e. respective dimensions, of package 1 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.
In more detail and with reference to Figure 3, package 1 may comprise a bottom wall 6 and a top wall 7 spaced apart from one another along longitudinal axis A.
In particular, longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to bottom wall 6.
Bottom wall 6 and top wall 7 may be parallel to one another. Alternatively, top wall 6 may be inclined with respect to bottom wall 6.
Additionally, package 1 may comprise a side wall 8 extending between (and connected to) bottom wall 6 and top wall 7.
More specifically, bottom wall 6 may be defined as the wall of package 1 that has a substantially planar shape and that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
Bottom wall 6 may be configured to be placed on a support surface, such as a support surface of a shelf, a fridge, a table, a working plane or the like.
With package 1 being placed on the support surface (and in its nominal position, i.e. when being used by a user in an intended manner), bottom wall 6 is in contact with the support surface and top wall 7 is distanced from the support surface.
Additionally, side wall 8 may be the portion of package 1 that is gripped by a user during an outpouring action of the pourable product from package 1.
With reference to Figures 1, package 1 comprises an opening 9, in particular arranged on top wall 7 and being configured to allow for an outpouring of the pourable product from package 1.
In particular, opening 9 is defined by a through-hole within base layer 3.
Opening 9 is covered by a separation membrane 10.
In particular, prior to a first-time outpouring action separation membrane 10 needs to be ruptured.
Preferentially, separation membrane 10 may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of one or more of the layers of the packaging material being different from base layer 3.
In particular, separation membrane 10 may be defined by a portion of lamination layers 4 and/or layer of barrier material 5.
More in particular, opening 9 and separation membrane 10 may define together a pre-laminated opening 9.
With reference to Figures 3 to 4C, package 1, in particular top wall 7, comprises a first line of weakness 11 and a second line of weakness 12.
In particular and as will be explained in more detail further below, opening 9, separation membrane 10, first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 are designed to allow for an opening device 13 (see Figures 4A to 4C) to pierce package 1, in particular top wall 7, and to be secured on package 1, in particular top wall 7.
In particular, opening 9, separation membrane 10, first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 define a breakable area of package 1. More in particular, opening 9, separation membrane 10, first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 are configured such that upon interaction of opening device 13 with top wall 7 at the breakable area leads to rupture of separation membrane 10 and breaking of the packaging material along first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12.
Additionally, also packaging blank 2 comprises an opening, a separation membrane, a first line of weakness and a second line of weakness. As opening 9, separation membrane 10, first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 of package 1 originate from respectively the opening, the separation membrane, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness, in the following, we use the same numerals for indicating those features on package 1 and packaging blank 2. Additionally, for reasons of conciseness we describe the specific details of opening 9, separation membrane 10, first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 once and if not indicated otherwise, those specific details refer both with reference to packaging blank 2 and package 1.
In more detail, opening 9 extends along a first axis F and a second axis G perpendicular to first axis F.
More specifically, a first extension E1 of opening 9 along first axis F is larger than a second extension E2 along second axis G.
Advantageously, opening 9 is symmetric with regard to a symmetry axis being parallel to first axis F and/or to a symmetry axis being parallel to second axis G.
Opening 9 comprises a first end 17 and a second end 18 distanced from one another along first axis F.
Moreover, each one of first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 comprises a respective first terminal portion 19 and 19' and a respective second terminal portion 20 and 20' opposite of the respective first terminal portion 19 or 19'.
In more detail, first terminal portion 19 of first line of weakness 11 is arranged adjacent to, in particular at, first end 17 and first terminal portion 19' of second line of weakness 12 is arranged adjacent to second end 18.
Additionally, both first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 extend away, in particular into the same direction, from opening 9. It is noted that first line of weakness 11 and a second line of weakness 12 extend on a plane defined by the packaging blank, i.e. a plane parallel to first axis F and second axis G.
In particular, both first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 face one another.
Moreover, first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 are parallel to one another and/or have the same length.
Advantageously, both first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 have a rectilinear shape. The rectilinear shape allows to obtain a well-defined edge within top wall 7 after piercing of top wall 7 by means of opening device 13 and an optimized interaction of opening device 13 with the formed edge.
In further detail and with particular reference to Figures 2 to 4, opening 9 is curved at first end 17 and at second end 18.
In more detail, opening 9 comprises a rim 21 delimiting opening 9 itself.
In even more detail, rim 21 comprises at least two curved sections 22 spaced apart from one another along first axis F and two linear sections 23 spaced apart from one another along second axis G and being interposed between, and in particular connected to, curved sections 22.
Advantageously, each one of first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12 has a depth in base layer 10 that is smaller than a thickness of base layer 10. This ensures tightness of package 1 before a first opening of package 1.
In other words, base layer 10 is creased along first line of weakness 11 and along second line of weakness 12.
Such a solution allows an efficient introduction of opening device 13 into package 1.
Additionally or alternatively, base layer 10 is cut dotted along each one of first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12. Such a perforation allows an efficient introduction of opening device 13 into package 1.
In further detail and with reference to Figure 2, each packaging blank 2 comprises:

a top section having a top crease pattern 24 configured to define at least top wall 7, in particular in addition also of flaps 25 connected to top wall 7;
a bottom section having a bottom crease pattern 26 configured to define at least bottom wall 6, and also of flaps connected to bottom wall 6; and
an intermediate section having an intermediate crease pattern 27 configured to define side wall 8.

In particular, opening 9, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are arranged on the top section, in particular a portion of the top section which defines a portion of top wall 7 after formation of package 1. More specifically, opening 9, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are arranged on the top section at a lateral zone of the top section.
With reference to Figure 3, top wall 7 comprises a plurality of edges, in particular a front edge 28, a back edge 29 spaced apart from front edge 28 and two lateral edges 30 interposed and connected to front edge 28 and back edge 29.
Top crease pattern 24 comprises a plurality of crease lines 31 configured to define the edges of top wall 7.
Advantageously, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are not intersected by any crease line. Additionally, no crease line is interposed between first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12.
In the embodiment of packaging blank 2 of Figure 2, opening 9 is arranged adjacent to one crease line 31, in particular one crease line 31 being configured to at least partially define a lateral edge 30 of top wall 7.
E.g. first axis F is parallel to the respective crease line 31.
Additionally, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 protrude away from the respective crease line 31, more specifically opening 9 is interposed between the respective crease line 31 and first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12.
Advantageously, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are parallel to one or more crease lines of top crease pattern 24, in particular the crease lines defining front edge 28 and/or back edge 29.
Moreover, in the embodiment of package 1 of Figure 3, opening 9 is arranged adjacent to one a portion of one respective lateral edge 30. Additionally, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 protrude away from the respective lateral edge 30, in particular towards an imaginary center line of top wall 7 and/or a section 32 of a longitudinal seal portion of package 1.
More specifically, opening 9 is interposed between the respective lateral edge 30 (on one side) and first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 (on the other side).
Even more specifically, opening 9 and first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are interposed between the respective lateral edge 30 and section 32 of the longitudinal seal portion.
Moreover, opening 9, separation membrane 10, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are interposed between back edge 29 and a transversal seal 33 of top wall 7.
E.g. first axis F is parallel to the respective lateral edge 30.
Advantageously, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are parallel to at least one of the edges of top wall 7, in particular to front edge 28 and/or back edge 29.
With reference to Figures 4A to 4C, the interaction of opening device 13 with opening 9, separation membrane 10, first line of weakening 11 and second line of weakening 12 is explained.
A user approaches opening device 13 towards opening 9 and brings a cutting section 34 of opening device 13 into contact with separation membrane 10. By directing opening device 13 towards an inner space of package 1, the cutting section 34 leads to a rupturing of separation membrane 10 and afterwards further interaction edges 35 of opening device 13 allow for a breaking of the packaging material along first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12.
Afterwards, opening device 13 is partially arranged within package 1 and is secured to package 1 by interaction with the edges delimiting an overall hole formed during the breaking of separation membrane 10 and of the packaging material along first line of weakness 11 and second line of weakness 12.
With reference to Figure 6, number 1' indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package 1' is similar to package 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
In particular, package 1' differs from package 1 in that opening 9 is adjacent to the other lateral edge 30 of top wall 7 in comparison to the embodiment of Figure 3.
With reference to Figure 5, number 2' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the present invention; as packaging blank 2' is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Packaging blank 2' is designed to allow for the formation of package 1'.
Packaging blank 2' differs from packaging blank 2 in that opening 9 is arranged adjacent to another crease line 31, the other crease line 31 being configured to at least partially define another lateral edge 30 of package 2'.
With reference to Figure 8, number 1" indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package 1" is similar to package 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
In particular, package 1" differs from package 1 in that opening 9 is adjacent to front edge 28.
Moreover, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 extend towards transversal seal 33 of package 2".
Additionally, opening 9, separation membrane 10, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are interposed between transversal seal 33 and front edge 28.
Furthermore, first axis F is parallel to front edge 28.
Additionally or alternatively, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are parallel to one or more lateral edges 30.
With reference to Figure 7, number 2'' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the present invention; as packaging blank 2'' is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Packaging blank 2" is designed to allow for the formation of package 1".
Packaging blank 2'' differs from packaging blank 2 in that opening 9 is arranged adjacent to a crease line 31 configured to define front edge 28 of package 1".
Moreover, opening 9, separation membrane 10, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are arranged at a central zone of the top section.
Additionally, first axis F is parallel to the crease line 31 defining front edge 28.
Additionally or alternatively, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are parallel to one or more crease lines defining respective one or more respective lateral edges 30.
With reference to Figure 10, number 1‴ indicates an alternative embodiment of a package according to the present invention; as package 1‴ is similar to package 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
In particular, package 1‴ differs from package 1 in that opening 9 is adjacent to a portion of one respective lateral edge 30, but is interposed between transversal seal 33 and front edge 28.
With reference to Figure 9, number 2‴ indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the present invention; as packaging blank 2‴ is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Packaging blank 2‴ is designed to allow for the formation of package 1‴.
Packaging blank 2‴ differs from packaging blank 2 in that opening 9, separation membrane 10, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 are arranged at a central zone of the top section.
The advantages of packages 1, 1', 1" and 1‴ and/or packaging blanks 2, 2', 2'' and 2‴ according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, the Applicant has observed that by relying on opening 9, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12 it is possible having an improved emptying of packages 1, 1', 1" and 1‴. Also, thanks to the shape of opening 9, first weakening line 11 and second weakening line 12, re-usable opening device 13 may adhere tightly to the packaging material so to avoid leakage of fluid along packaging material during pouring.
Clearly, changes may be made to packages 1, 1', 1'' and 1‴ and/or packaging blanks 2, 2', 2'' and 2‴ as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

A packaging blank (2, 2', 2'', 2‴) for producing a sealed package (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) of a pourable food product, the packaging material (2, 2', 2", 2‴) comprising:
- at least one base layer (3) for imparting stiffness;

- a plurality of lamination layers (4) applied to and covering both sides of the base layer (3);

- an opening (9) which is formed by a through slot provided in the base layer (3);

- a separation membrane (10) covering the opening (9); and
wherein the opening (9) extends along a first axis (F) and a second axis (G) perpendicular to the first axis (F);

wherein a first extension (E1) of the opening (9) along the first axis (F) is larger than a second extension (E2) along the second axis (G);

wherein the opening (9) comprises a first end (17) and a second end (18) distanced from one another along the first axis (F);

- a first line of weakness (11); and

- a second line of weakness (12);
wherein each one of the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) comprises a respective first terminal portion (19, 19') and a respective second terminal portion (20, 20') opposite of the first terminal portion (19, 19');

wherein the first terminal portion (19, 19') of the first line of weakness (11) is arranged adjacent to the first end (17) and the first terminal portion (19, 19') of the second line of weakness (12) is arranged adjacent to the second end (18);

wherein both the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) extend away from the opening (9).
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) according to claim 1, wherein the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) are parallel to one another.
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) according to claim 2, wherein the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) are parallel to the second axis (G) .
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) have a rectilinear shape and/or have the same length.
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (9) is curved at the first end (17) and the second end (18).
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) according to claim 5, wherein the opening (9) comprises a rim (21) delimiting the opening (9) itself;
wherein the rim (21) comprises at least two curved sections (22) spaced apart from one another along the first axis (F) and two linear sections (23) spaced apart from one another along the second axis (G) and being interposed between the two curved sections (22);

wherein each linear section (23) is connected to each one of the two curved sections (22).
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2'', 2‴) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) has a depth in the base layer (3) that is smaller than a thickness of the base layer (3) and/or the base layer (3) is cut dotted along each one of the first line of weakness (11) and of the second line of weakness (12) and/or wherein the base layer (3) is creased along the first line of weakness (11) and along the second line of weakness (12).
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2'', 2‴) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (9) is symmetric with regard to a symmetry axis being parallel to the first axis (F).
A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2‴) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation membrane (10) comprises portions of one or more of the lamination layers (4).
A package for pourable products, formed by folding and sealing a packaging material (2, 2', 2'', 2‴) as claimed in any one of the previous claims, and configured to receive an opening device (13) for outpouring the pourable food product, wherein the separation membrane (10) is configured to be ruptured by the opening device (13), and the packaging material is configured to rupture along the first weakening line (11) and the second weaking line (12) by exerting a pressure onto the packaging material by means of the opening device (13).
Package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) for a pourable product formed from a multilayer packaging material; the package (1, 1',1") comprises a bottom wall (6) and a top wall (7) spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis (A) of the package (1, 1',1",1‴) and a side wall (8) interposed between the top wall (7) and the bottom wall (6);
wherein the top wall (6) comprises:
- an opening (9); and

- a separation membrane (10) covering the opening (9);

wherein the opening (9) extends along a first axis (F) and a second axis (G) perpendicular to the first axis (F);

wherein a first extension of the opening (9) along the first axis (F) is larger than a second extension along the second axis (G);
- a first line of weakness (11); and

- a second line of weakness (12);

wherein the opening (9) comprises a first end (17) and second end (18) distanced from one another along the first axis (F);

wherein each one of the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) comprises a respective first terminal portion (19, 19') and a respective second terminal portion (20, 20') opposite of the first terminal portion (19, 19');

wherein the first terminal portion (19, 19') of the first line of weakness (11) is arranged adjacent to the first end (17) and the first terminal portion (19, 19') of the second line of weakness (12) is arranged adjacent to the second end (18);

wherein both the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) extend away from the opening (9).
A package (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) according to claim 11, wherein the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) are parallel to one another and/or have the same length and/or both the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) have a rectilinear shape.
A package (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the opening (9) is curved at the first end (17) and at the second end (18).
A package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each one of the first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) has a depth in the base layer (3) that is smaller than a thickness of the base layer (3) and/or the base layer (3) is cut dotted along each one of the first line of weakness (11) and of the second line of weakness (12) and/or the base layer (3) is creased along the first line of weakness (11) and along the second line of weakness (12).
A package (1, 1', 1", 1‴) according to any one of claim 11 to 14, wherein the opening (9) is symmetric with regard to a symmetry axis being parallel to the first axis (F) and/or to the second axis (G).