GB2300146A

GB2300146A - A container suitable for packaging foodstuffs such as a ready-to-freeze alcoholic beverage

Info

Publication number: GB2300146A
Application number: GB9613436A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shari Klose; Michael Anthony Taylor
Original assignee: BROWN FOREMAN CORP
Current assignee: BROWN FOREMAN CORP
Priority date: 1994-10-14
Filing date: 1995-10-13
Publication date: 1996-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-13
Also published as: GB2300146B; GB9613436D0

Abstract

A ready-to-freeze, alcoholic beverage is packaged in a multilayer container to provide adequate shelf-life and resistance to damage. In one embodiment the container comprises the following layers (a) polyester film (b) aluminium foil (c) polyester film (d) LLDPE film. In another embodiment the container comprises the following layers (a) nylon film (b) nylon / ethylene vinyl alcohol coextruded film (c) LLDPE film. In a still further embodiment the container comprises the following layers (a) nylon film (b) aluminium foil (c) a copolymer of ethylene and propylene or polyethylene film.

Description

A CONTAINER SUITABLE FOR PACKAGING FOODSTUFFS SUCH AS A READY-TO-FREEZE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE This invention relates to a container, and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a container for packaging a ready-to-freeze alcoholic beverage.

Such beverages are shelf stable in liquid form and are designed to be placed in a freezer, preferably a consumer's freezer, for a period of time until it assumes a "slushy" consistency like a frozen cocktail prepared in a blender or commercial slush machines found in bars and restaurants.

U.S. Patent No. 4,738,857 discloses a container for packaging an alcoholic beverage containing essential oils. The container includes an interior layer, in contact with the alcoholic beverage, and a second layer. The interior layer consists essentially of polypropylene homopolymer. The second layer, located exterior to the outside layer, is composed of an oxygen barrier polymer, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a container comprising the following multi-layered structure: (a) a polyester film; (b) aluminum foil; (c) polyester film (d) linear low density polyethylene film or linear low density polyethylene which includes octene and ethylene.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a container comprising the following multi-layered structure: (a) a Nylon film; (b) a Nylon/ethylene/vinyl alcohol co-extruded layer film; (c) a linear low density polyethylene film.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a container comprising the following multi-layered structure: (a) a Nylon film; (b) aluminum foil; (c) a copolymer of ethylene and propylene film.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide containers suitable for packaging beverages such as ready-to-freeze alcoholic beverages, which have a strong seal strength and are substantially resistant to breakage if dropped in transit.

Suitable materials which would adhere respective film layers may be used between layers of the container. Such materials are exemplified by adhesives, e.g., polyester adhesives.

When used to package ready-to-freeze alcoholic beverages, containers in accordance with the present invention aid the beverage in achieving a long shelf life.

A formulated alcoholic beverage can be packaged for sale in a laminated flexible plastic pouch in accordance with the present invention of 8.125 inch x 4.75 inch (206 x 121 mm) in size in which 200 ml to 240 ml of the alcohol beverage product will be contained.

The pouch is filled using a form-fill-seal machine; for example, a Prodo Pak or Bartelt, and, if desired, 36 to 45 pouches are packed per shipcase. The pouch may have the construction of one of the structure A, B or C summarized below. However, it is preferred that the pouch have the construction of the structures A or B.

The first layer or film of each container described below is the outer film and is reverse gravure printed, and the last layer or film is in contact with the alcoholic beverage. The dimensions in the structure summarized below refer to thickness of layers.

Structure A Layer 1. About 0.00040 inch to about 0.00060 inch (0.01-0.015 mm) polyester; Layer 2. About 0.0004 inch to about 0.0006 inch (0.01-0.015 mm) aluminum foil; Layer 3. About 0.00040 inch to about 0.00060 inch (0.01-0.015 mm) polyester; Layer 4. About 0.0020 inch to about 0.0040 inch (0.05-0.1 mm) linear low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene which includes octene and ethylene.

Structure B Layer 1. About 0.0060 inch to about 0.0080 inch (0.15 - 0.2 mm) polyvinylidene chloride coated biaxially oriented Nylon; Layer 2. About 0.0009 inch to about Q.0011 ihch..(0.023-0,02 mm) Nylon/ethylenevinyl alcohol coextruded; Layer 3. About 0.0000 inch to about 0.or30 inch (0.05-0-076 mm) linear low density polyethylene (homopolymer).

In Structure B, layer 1 may be substituted by any other Nylon, and layer 2 by any Nylon, coated or uncoated. Layer 3 in Structure B may be any linear low density polyethylene homopolymer.

Structure C Layer 1. About 0.0005 to about 0.0007 inch (0.013-0.018mn) biaxially oriented Nylon; Layer 2. About 0.0006 to about 0.0008 inch (0.015-0.03m) aluminum foil; Layer 3. About 0.0020 to about 0.0040 inch (0.05-0.lnrn) copolymer of ethylene and propylene and/or polyethylene.

If necessary, in Structure C, suitable adhesives are used between layers 1 and 2 and 2 and 3. For example, 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) prime adhesive may be used between layers 2 and 3. In one preferred embodiment, the multi-layer container of the above construction holds about 200 - about 240 ml of the beverage.

Different materials may be used for the various layers of the container of Structure C. For example, the third layer may be made of linear low density polyethylene, and the second layer of a metalized Nylon or polyester film. In all embodiments of the invention directed to the container, any material which would provide adhesion between plastic films of the container to provide secure lamination between the films, so that the resulting container would withstand shipping, can be used. Suitable materials are any of the well known polyester adhesives or polyolefins.

The plastic pouches when packaged in multi-packs provide multiple servings of the frozen or semi-frozen slushy cocktail. The plastic pouches of any of the structures described above are made by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, by any form-fill-seal machine.

While the container of the invention is preferably used to package the beverage of the invention, it can be used for packaging a variety of any goods, including food products or any beverages.

After the frozen beverage is removed from the freezer, the consumer massages the package gently and pours it into a suitable container, such as a glass for a frozen type cocktail. It can also be spooned out of its container. Once frozen, the slushy cocktail can be removed from the freezer at any time and consumed.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it rnav be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the following Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 (Container of the Invention) A flexible pouch container having the Structure C was prepared. The pouch contained the following layers, with the layer 1 being the outer film, and layer 3 the film in contact with the beverage.

Structure C Layer 1. About 0.0005 inch to about 0.0007 inch (0.013-0.018mn) biaxially oriented Nylon; Layer 2. About 0.0006 inch to about 0.0008 inch (0.015 - 0.02 mm) al=unum foil; Layer 3. About 0.0020 inch to about 0.0040 inch (0.05-O.Lmm) copolymer of ethylene and propylene and/or polyethylene.

EXAMPLES 2A - 2B (Container of the Invention) Two other flexible pouches of the invention were prepared to produce the pouches of Structures A and B, summarized below.

Structure A - Example 2 Layer 1. About 0.00040 inch to about 0.00060 inch (0.01 - 0.015 mm) polyester; Layer 2. About 0.0004 inch to about 0.0006 inch (Q.01-0.015 mn) aluminum foil; Layer 3. About 0.00040 inch to about 0.00060 inch < 0-01 - 0.015 mm) polyester Layer 4. About 0.0020 inch to about 0.0040 inch (0.05-O.2mm) linear low density polyethylene or linear low density polyethylene which includes octene and ethylene.

Structure B - Example 2B Layer 1. About 0.0060 inch to about 0.0080 inch (0.15-0.2 mm) polyvinylidene chloride coated biaxially oriented Nylon; Layer 2. About 0.0009 inch to about 0.0011 inch (0.023-0.028 mm) Nylon/ethylenevinyl alcohol coextrusion; Layer 3. About 0.0020 inch to about 0.0030 inch (0.05-0.076 mm) linear low density polyethylene (homopolymer).

EXAMPLES 3-7 (Testing of Containers) The strength of the pouch of Example 1 was compared to that of Examples 2A and 2B. All pouches had substantially the same size and contained approximately 200 ml of alcoholic beverage.

The pouches were drop tested in a shipping case and shelf life tests were performed as indicated in the following data table.

Example Container Structure NSTA Shelf No. of Example Drop Test* Life Week 3 1 Polypropylene, no 4 52 pads 4 1 Polypropylene, pry 52 pads** 5 1 Polypropylene, 2 10 52 pads and plastic bubble sheetttv 6 2A Polyethylene, no 10 15 pads 7 2B Polyethylene, no 23 10 pads

* Data reported -- number of successful drops before 1st pouch burst. Failure is due to leaking pouches.

** The structure of Example 1 with two open faces A-C flute doublewall corrugated pads positioned beneath pouches in the shipcase. The total pad thickness was 0.75 inch (19 mm).

*** The structure of Example 1 with 0.05 inch (12.7 mm) thick plastic bubble sheet positioned between two open faced A-C flute doublewall corrugated pads positioned beneath pouches in the shipcase.

The total pad thickness was 1.25 inch (32 mm).

The droptest procedure used was as follows: National Safe Transit Association Preshipment Testing Procedure 1A Droptest 1 through 20.99 pounds (9.5 kg).

This testing is used to predetermine the probability of the successful delivery of packaged produced to their destination. Five shipcases of product are subjected to a total 10 drops from 30" (760 mm) off floor (tile over concrete). The procedure for the drop test is listed in a specific methodical order so that impacts occur one on each side of box, one corner, and 3 edges.

The 5 shipcases are opened and the contents are inspected for damage.

Results 1. Changing the inside plastic film lamination layer next to the product for polypropylene (Examples 3-5) to polyethylene (Examples 6 7) yielded improved drop characteristics. Drop failures were believed to be due to a liquid hydraulic force upon the sides of the pouch Polypropylene (Example 1) with no pads was unacceptable due to the high likelihood of damage in distribution and transportation. A cost savings can be realized with the elimination of cushion pads used in Examples 4 -and 5 The polyethylene pouch (Examples 6 and 7) required no pads to achieve the minimum NSTA requirement of 10 drops with no broken pouches and leaking product. The performance of pouch hydraulic failure resistance of Examples 6 and 7 was equal to or greater than that of the pouch of Example5.

2. Shelf life was not compromised by using polyethylene lamination next to the product in place of polypropylene at freezer, room and oven temperatures. The pouch of Example 2A achieved 15 weeks of successful shelf life with no loss of flavor preference determined by sensory taste panelists. The pduch of Example achieved 10 weeks of successful shelf life with no loss of flavor preference determined by sensory taste panelists. Therefore, polyethylene as a plastic laminate next to the product does not affect flavor as indicated in prior art.

3. The non-aluminum foil structure of Example 2B has superior flex crack resistance when subjected to vibration motion testing. No visual signs of cracking, bruising, or creasing were evident. The foil structures of Examples 1 and 2A may crease, wrinkle and possibly leak product from severe flex cracks under severe vibration testing as would occur in trunk or rail transportation. Our testing indicated that shelf life performance was not dependent on foil as the only form of barrier material for the alcoholic beverage product of the invention. Also, we would expect that the plastic film could be metalized as is commonly applied in the packaging industry and this could be utilized in place of aluminum foil lamination.

Claims

1. A container comprising the following multilayered structure: (a) a polyester film; (b) aluminum foil; (c) polyester film (d) linear low density polyethylene film or linear low density polyethylene which includes octene and ethylene.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layer (a) has a thickness of not less than 0.00040 and not more than 0.00060 inches (0.01 to 0.015 mm); the layer (b) has a thickness of not less than 0.0004 and not more than 0.0006 inches (0.01 to 0.015 mm); the layer (c) has a thickness of not less than 0.00040 and not more than 0.00060 inches (0.01 to 0.015 mm); and the layer (d) has a thickness of not less than 0.0020 and not more than 0.0040 inches (0.05 to 0.1 mm).

3. A container comprising the following multilayered structure: (a) a Nylon film; (b) a Nylon/ethylene/vinyl alcohol co-extruded layer film; (c) a linear low density polyethylene film.

4. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the layer (a) has the thickness of not less than 0.0060 and not more than 0.0080 inches (0.15 to 0.2 mm); the layer (b) has the thickness of not less than 0.0009 and not more than 0.0011 inches (0.023 to 0.028 mm); and the layer (c) has the thickness of not less than 0.0020 and not more than 0.0030 inches (0.05 to 0.076 mm).

5. A container comprising the following multilayered structure: (a) a Nylon film; (b) aluminum foil; (c) a copolymer of ethylene and propylene film.

6. A container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the layer (a) has the thickness of not less than 0.0005 and not more than 0.0007 inches (0.013 to 0.018 mm); the layer (b) has the thickness of not less than 0.0006 and not more than 0.0008 inches (0.015 to 0.02 mm); and the layer (c) has the thickness of not less than 0.0020 and not more than 0.0040 inches (0.05 to 0.1 mm).

7. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a layer of an adhesive between each of the layers.

8. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein layer (a) is reverse gravure printed.

9. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1, 3 and 5 and substantially as described herein.

10. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, containing a food product.

11. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, containing a beverage.

12. A container as claimed in claim 11, in which the beverage is an alcoholic ready-to-freeze beverage.