RU2709755C2 - Method of manufacturing and filling of package and corresponding package - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: food industry.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method for production and filling of package (1) with powdered food product (21), for example, baby food or dry milk mixture, wherein the method comprises steps of taking thermoformed tray (2) having side walls (16) and base (14) forming a product receiving space (20), filling the product receiving space with a powdered food product and placing membrane (6) on open neck (15) of the tray for sealing product contained therein; and folding cardboard board (28) with multiple panels around filled tray to produce cardboard sleeve (4), wherein cardboard sleeve comprises peripheral wall enveloping at least side walls of tray.EFFECT: invention also relates to a package for such powdered food products manufactured by this method.22 cl, 5 dwg

Description

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the manufacture of packages and, in particular, to the production of packages for powdered food products, such as baby food or infant formula. The invention also relates to such packaging.

State of the art

Powdered material, such as infant formula, has been sold in many forms for many years. At first, metal cans were the preferred container because they were relatively simple and cheap to manufacture and could be sealed for long-term storage. The seal contained aluminum foil located on the neck of the container, which was removed during first use. Since one container will be used for a long time, these containers were provided with reusable plastic caps that were worn on the outer rim of a metal can. Often a measuring spoon was put into a container, either packed separately or inside the can itself. Such banks, however, are relatively heavy and expensive to manufacture.

Later, alternative forms of packaging appeared with improved properties compared to cans. These include laminated container bodies with a plastic hinged lid and rim structures that can be glued to the body of the container. One such package, described in US2008041861, has a seal for initially closing the package and a space between the seal and the upper edge of the container for partially receiving a measuring spoon before use. The container part may consist of layers of cardboard, metal foil and plastic material. Another similar packaging is shown in WO2010071424. The disadvantage of composite packaging is that it may be difficult to dispose of it. It was proposed to develop a multi-component packaging that allows it to be disassembled for separate disposal, but until now, suitable manufacturing processes capable of producing such packaging have not been developed.

It is known to manufacture multicomponent packages by placing cardboard around a thermoformed container before filling the container, for example, using a mandrel to support the container and forming cardboard around the container, or using a form to support cardboard before applying cardboard to the thermoformed container. The disadvantage of such multicomponent packaging is that this production method is undesirable for food products that have high sanitary requirements, such as baby food. In light of these requirements, it would be desirable to create packaging that can be assembled in the manufacturing process and that can be taken apart for disposal. It would also be desirable to provide a method for manufacturing such a package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing and filling a package with a powdered food product, comprising the steps of:

a) create a thermoformed tray with side walls and a base forming a space for receiving the product, fill the space for receiving the product with a powdered food product, and weld the open neck of the tray with a membrane to seal the product in it;

b) folding a cardboard preform with a plurality of panels around a filled tray to form a cardboard sleeve, wherein the cardboard sleeve comprises a peripheral wall surrounding at least the side walls of the tray.

If both parts of the package are manufactured separately, both the inner tray and the outer sleeve will have dimensions that are within tolerance. Since the sleeve is put on the inner tray, this sleeve must be able to accommodate even the largest tray within these tolerances. This can cause the relatively small tray to fall into the relatively large sleeve, in which case the sleeve will not support the inner tray as required. Additionally, the appearance of such a combination of a relatively large sleeve and a small tray is untidy due to gaps appearing along the edges and corners. Bending the cardboard blank around the filled tray gives the advantage that the sleeve formed from the cardboard blank closely fits the thermoformed tray, regardless of the external dimensions of this thermoformed tray. When folding a cardboard sleeve around a filled inner tray, the sleeve tightly covers the inner tray, providing a more acceptable finished product. Additionally, an interference fit between these two components provides maximum support for the inner tray, which is especially important with relatively thin-walled trays.

Additionally, mandrels or punches for holding the shape of the thermoformed tray can be excluded, since the retention of the shape of the thermoformed tray is due to the powdered food product. Adding a mandrel or punch to a production machine is costly. In addition, the thermoformed tray has internal dimensions that are within tolerances and even the smallest of the thermoformed trays must be worn on the punch. This can lead to less support by the punch for relatively large thermoformed trays and the punch cannot create the required support when folding the cardboard blank around the tray. More importantly, the mandrel can be used in the tray until it is full. As will be further described below, processes in which filling occurs under conditions of increased hygiene requirements, it may be undesirable to introduce a cardboard sleeve into the zone of increased hygiene requirements and, therefore, the use of an assembly on a mandrel is excluded.

According to an unexpected effect of the present invention, it is believed that improved shape retention and support when bending the cardboard blank around the tray can be achieved due to the fact that the tray is filled with a powdered food product, such as dry milk powder or baby food. Powdered products, such as baby food or other products made from powdered milk, tend to exhibit high resistance to deformation due to the flow behavior of the powder, i.e., they can shrink to a denser state or consolidate rather than spread when external pressure is applied, unlike liquids. The consolidated product then acts as a form holding means when folding the cardboard blank around the filled tray. This deformation resistance leads to the transfer of pressure to the inner wall of the tray, which supports the tray and allows it to maintain its shape. For other products, such as liquids or granular products, the container may not provide adequate resistance during the bending process, and the resulting product may be less than adequate.

The bulk density of the powdered food product may be from 04 to 0.7 g / ml, preferably from 0.45 to 0.6 g / ml.

According to the proposed method, the tray is filled with powdered material before folding the cardboard around the tray and, thus, the product provides additional support to the peripheral wall of the tray. Additionally, during the folding operation, the contents of the tray may attach a counterforce outward to the sleeve, thereby facilitating the fastening of the sleeve to the tray. Additionally, before bending the sleeve around the tray, a membrane is attached to the upper edge of the tray to create additional support for the tray and to protect the product from the surrounding atmosphere. It is believed that using the method of the present invention is achieved assembly without the use of a mandrel of multicomponent packaging that meets the increased hygiene requirements for food.

The membrane seal may comprise metal foil or may consist of a plastic film. The seal may be completely removed before use, or it may contain a line of weakening for tearing, which defines the opening area, and a pulling tongue. The membrane can be located in different places, but most preferably, the membrane is welded to the upper edge of the container. In particular, it should be understood that thermoformed trays essentially have a protruding outward flange forming a top edge and the membrane can be welded to this flange. Alternatively, the membrane may be welded to the bottom frame to cover the hole. In this case, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the connection between the lower frame and the upper edge of the container should be a sealed connection.

Preferably, the cardboard blank comprises a bottom panel and side wall panels, and after folding the cardboard blank into a sleeve, this sleeve covers the side walls and at least a portion of the base of the tray. Such a tray provides additional support to the base of the thermoformed tray. More preferably, the cardboard blanks are formed as a single part with a plurality of panels.

Composite packaging can have advantages due to its increased strength, and the cardboard sleeve lends itself well to printing. Since the tray is added at a late stage in the production cycle, you can change the design of the tray or the language even after the tray is full. For disposal, the sleeve and tray can be divided and recycled as required. According to another embodiment, step b) further comprises the step of adhering the panels to the tray after folding. Preferably, step b) further comprises the step of adhering the bottom panel to the base of the tray. The connection of the sleeve panels to the tray provides support for each other. Additionally, the sleeve is formed from a cardboard blank and covers the outer surface of the tray. Preferably, step b) further comprises a step where, after folding on the tray, the panels are joined together, preferably by gluing. Preferably, the preform is in the form of a cross forming a base and four side panels. The side panels may have tabs or tabs that engage with each other and may be glued or otherwise connected to each other. Preferably, step b) further comprises the step of centering the cardboard blank and the thermoformed tray relative to each other. Additionally, step b) may include grabbing the tray with the lid assembly for transport and to provide full access to both the peripheral wall and the base of the tray. The cardboard blank can then be connected by a bottom panel to the base of the tray, for example, with glue. In one embodiment, the side panels are folded in the direction of the tray in pairs of opposite side panels. Preferably, the side panels provided with tongues are first folded in the direction of the tray, and then the remaining side panels are folded in the direction of the tray. The tongues are preferably located on the side panels of the workpiece, covering the relatively longer side walls of the tray. In this embodiment, folding the side panels covering the relatively shorter side walls of the tray and connecting them to the tongues gives the package more strength. In addition, it is preferable that the tabs have such a length so that they do not overlap each other when bent around the tray or on the tray.

In another embodiment, step b) comprises the step of applying lateral displacement of the side panels to engage them with the side walls of the tray after being folded toward the side walls of the tray. To securely connect the side panels of the sleeve to the tray, you can use laterally directed force to press the side panels against the outer surface of the inner tray. Pressure can be applied in areas in which the adhesive was applied to create adhesion at these points. Preferably, pressure is applied in the center of the side panels of the tray, near their upper edges. In a preferred embodiment, step b) further comprises the step of taking a cardboard blank from a cardboard blanks store containing a plurality of cardboard blanks. The filled and sealed thermoformed tray is taken from the filling and sealing machine and transferred to the assembly line by a transporting device. A cardboard blank is then taken separately, preferably from a magazine or cardboard blank containing a plurality of cardboard blanks to enable continuous assembly of packages.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, step a) may further comprise the step of setting the lower rim on the upper edge of the tray. This can advantageously enhance the relatively thin thermoformed tray. The lower rim is preferably glued or welded over the sealing membrane, although it is possible that it can be attached directly to the upper edge of the tray before installing the membrane. The lower rim is preferably formed from the same class of material from which the tray is formed so that they can be disposed of together. According to an important aspect of the invention, the step of applying the lower rim may further comprise the step of centering the tray relative to the lower rim before joining. Thus, the lower rim can then serve as a guide for further operations with the tray.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, step a) further comprises the step of installing a lid assembly on the tray that holds the upper rim and the reusable lid. The upper rim preferably extends around the periphery, defining an access opening, and the lid can be pivotally attached to the upper rim to close this opening. This allows the user to open the tray by removing the sealing membrane and then open and close the hole in the tray with a lid. The lock on the leading edge of the lid may engage with the rim on the upper frame to keep the lid closed. The lid may comprise a supporting surface on the outside of the lid to support the base of the other package when stacking the packages on top of each other.

In a most preferred embodiment, the upper rim and the lower rim are mechanically connected to each other by an interference fit. Therefore, the lower rim performs the function of hardening the upper edge of the tray, allowing it to effectively fasten the upper rim and cover.

Of great importance is the fact that all packaging elements for powdered food products, and especially baby food, must be produced in accordance with strict standards. In order to fulfill these requirements, some production steps are preferably carried out in an environment with increased hygiene requirements. Optional components such as measuring spoons and lids are also manufactured to the same standards if they come in contact with the product. According to one important aspect of the invention, step a) can be performed in an area with increased hygiene requirements. In this context, it is understood that all individual actions included in stage a) must be performed in an area with increased hygiene requirements. Therefore, the package is filled and sealed and all surface elements that come in contact with the powdered food product are exposed only in the area with high hygiene requirements.

For the purposes of the present invention, increased hygiene requirements mean that the medium is under atmospheric pressure, preferably 5-50 Pa, more preferably 5-30 Pa, most preferably 5-20 Pa. The temperature in the hygienic zone is preferably maintained between 18 ° C and 25 ° C, more preferably between 19 ° C and 23 ° C, and the relative humidity is preferably from 20% to 80%, more preferably from 30% to 60% and most preferably from 35% to 50%. In addition, the atmosphere in an environment with increased hygienic requirements is preferably filtered to remove particulate matter, for example, using a high-performance fine filter for air purification containing an H10 filter or higher according to EN 1822-2009. Preferably, all components that come into contact with the product are cleaned with a stream of sterile ionized air and checked by a vision system for defects or foreign bodies. In addition, the packaging is filled with a low oxygen atmosphere. For this, a purge with nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide can be used before filling and during filling and before installing the membrane. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other criteria may be applied to such an area, if necessary, for example, in accordance with local regulations. The use of an atmosphere with a low oxygen content, in particular a carbon dioxide atmosphere, during filling gives the advantage that the powder material is relatively dry compared to the surrounding atmosphere. In addition, after filling, some powders absorb carbon dioxide, which leads to the formation of a slightly reduced pressure in the package. Therefore, the powder can be further consolidated than in the surrounding atmosphere, and the function of maintaining the shape of the contents of the tray is enhanced.

Since the expansion of the food container is substantially related to the deterioration of the food contained, such an impression should preferably be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Due to the relatively thin thermoformed tray, the packaging of the present invention may be more prone to exaggerated appearance than containers made of thicker, more rigid plastic, such as injection molded. Thicker, more rigid plastic walls are less susceptible to the force exerted by the contents of the containers than relatively thin thermoformed peripheral walls of the tray. Therefore, it is preferable that the thermoformed tray is filled with a powder material having a specific temperature. This can be of particular importance when the finished container contains infant formula or food product, since such products of long-term storage on shelves are laid out in less air-conditioned conditions, in contrast to packages containing fresh products, such as yogurt. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the powdered food products when filling the tray have a temperature of from 10 ° C to 30 ° C, more preferably from 15 ° C to 25 ° C.

Preferably, there is a measuring spoon in the package, which may be above the sealing membrane before use. The measuring spoon can also be molded integrally with the lid structure and detach from it at first use. In any case, the measuring spoon is preferably also included in the packaging in step a) and, therefore, it can only be handled in an area with increased hygiene requirements.

In a preferred embodiment, the measuring spoon is located above the sealing membrane when the sleeve is bent around the tray, whereby the distance between the measuring spoon and the sealing membrane is limited to less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, most preferably less than 2 mm. Limiting the distance between the measuring spoon and the sealing membrane, i.e., limiting the excess space in the package, is useful for reducing plastic waste.

Another important point in determining actions to be taken in an area with increased hygiene requirements is the indication that step b) is performed outside the area with increased hygiene requirements. These actions, therefore, can be characterized as actions that may not be allowed in an area with increased hygiene requirements. In particular, work with cardboard may be associated with a significant amount of technological dirt and it should be carried out separately from the actions performed in stage a). For the purposes of the present invention, the term “reduced hygiene requirements” means that the environment in such an area is a normal environment. These include atmospheric pressure, which means that increased pressure is not created. In addition, the temperature in the zone of reduced hygiene requirements is less strictly regulated compared to the zone of increased hygiene requirements, and in the case of reduced hygiene requirements, the temperature can be between 12-30 ° C, more preferably 15-26 ° C. A particulate filter can be installed in an area of reduced hygiene requirements or for air flow in an area of reduced hygiene requirements, but to save money, highly efficient filtering of particulate matter is not implemented.

It should be understood that gluing can be a structural step in the assembly of a cardboard blank, and / or an assembly step in connecting the tray to the sleeve. Preferably, the connection between the tray and the sleeve can be easily broken for disassembly when disposing of the packaging after use. Adhesive is preferably hot melt adhesive, which is applied in places on the inner surface of the cardboard blank and / or on the outer surface of the sleeve before folding the respective panels in the direction of the filled thermoformed tray.

According to another aspect of the invention, the tray is a preformed, dimensionally stable tray of thermoplastic material. In this context, “preformed” means the requirement that the tray be molded at least 24 hours and, preferably, at least 48 hours before filling. This allows you to remove residual stresses in the tray that arose during thermoforming.

The present invention is particularly applicable to thin-walled trays forming a single compartment. Such trays can be relatively inexpensive due to the use of a minimum amount of plastic. Cardboard sleeve gives extra strength. Preferably, the tray has a wall thickness from 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm, preferably from 0.15 mm to 0.40 m. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that due to the thermoforming process, the thickness of the walls throughout the tray may be unstable . In particular, the upper edge of the tray may form a flange having a greater thickness and rigidity. The tray can be made from any suitable material that can be thermoformed. The most suitable material is polypropylene. However, other polymeric materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene (PE) can also be used. It is also possible to use multilayer materials, provided that they meet the requirements for disposal. Most preferably, the tray contains a multilayer laminate comprising a central barrier layer with reduced oxygen transmission, i.e., creating a barrier to oxygen, for example from ethylene vinyl alcohol and the like.

As indicated above, the strength of the package can be obtained by combining the strength of the tray and sleeve. Thus, the sleeve also performs a structural function in addition to the function of the surface on which to print. Preferably, the cardboard used to create the preform has a density of from 50 g / m ² to 400 g / m ² , preferably from 100 g / m ² to 300 g / m ² . The term "cardboard blank" is defined as a blank containing cardboard material. The workpiece material may also contain other suitable materials, for example, a coating to protect the external surface from environmental influences. Essentially, the material of the cardboard blank has a greater density and thickness than the side walls of the tray. It can have a wall thickness of 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm and can even have a thickness of 0.6 mm. The cardboard blank may have a thickness of at least twice the thickness of the side walls.

According to the present invention, the tray and sleeve support each other to create a wall structure that is more durable than if each of the elements were used separately. It should be understood that the base of the sleeve can be either open or at least partially closed. It should be understood that the weight of the powdered contents may contribute to pressing the side walls into contact with the sleeve. The side walls of the inner tray and sleeves are preferably slightly inclined. The angle of inclination of the outer sleeve and / or tray may be from 1 ° to 7 °, preferably 3 °. The advantage of such an inclined shape is the ability to insert trays into each other.

Additionally, the upper edge of the sleeve may be at different distances from the upper edge of the tray. In order for the sleeve to adequately support the tray, the top edge of the sleeve does not have to match the top edge of the tray. When a relatively small distance is maintained between the upper edges, the tolerances for the respective heights of the tray and sleeve may be such as to optimize the support provided by the sleeve of the tray. This distance can be a maximum of 5.0 mm, preferably 2 mm, more preferably 1 mm, whereby the side walls are supported to the upper edge so that the tray is not suspended at its upper edge.

The membrane used to seal the open neck of the tray may be any known metal foil or plastic film membrane, or a combination thereof. The membrane can act as a seal to protect the product from the surrounding atmosphere, i.e., create a barrier to oxygen and, preferably, moisture. Preferably, the membrane comprises a weakened tear line defining an opening area and an exhaust tab for removing the membrane before use. The membrane can be welded to the inner surface of the side walls. However, most preferably, the tray contains on the upper edge a protruding outward flange to which the membrane is connected.

The present invention also relates to packaging for powdered food products, the packaging being made according to any one of the process options described above. The resulting packaging can be easily produced and disposed of. Other advantages will be apparent from the following description.

The present invention is particularly applicable to infant formulas and, most preferably, the package is filled with infant formula.

According to another aspect of the invention, the process, in particular, is applicable to packaging with a wide opening in which the tray is rectangular and has an opening with a minimum size of 70 mm, more preferably about 100 mm and an area of at least 100 cm ² . The total packaging length may be 150-250 mm, preferably about 185 mm. The width of the package can be from 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably about 120 mm. Packaging can be produced with different heights in accordance with the required volume, and the height can be from 80 mm to 150 mm. In this context, the term “rectangular” includes the concept of “square” and does not exclude the presence of rounded corners. The packaging volume may be from 0.8 L or 800 ml to 3 L or 3000 ml, preferably about 1.5 L or 1500 ml. Such a wide-opening package suffers especially from problems with the strength of the walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the links to the attached drawings of some illustrative embodiments of the invention, where:

Figure 1 - packaging for a powdered food product made by the method of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a semi-finished product for assembling the package of Figure 1.

Figure 3 - cardboard blank and semi-finished packaging of figure 2 for the assembly of the package of figure 1.

Figure 4 - side panels of the cardboard blank of Figure 3, folded in the direction of the thermoformed tray.

Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the packaging manufacturing operation of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE OPTIONS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the packaging 1 made according to the present invention. The package 1 is shown in a finished state and contains a tray 2 covered by a sleeve 4 and has a lid assembly 3.

Figure 2 shows a partially exploded view of the tray 2 and the lid assembly 3, as well as the membrane 6, the lower rim 8, the upper rim 10 and the lid 12, forming the first assembly unit 1 'of package 1. Tray 2 is a thermoformed tray made of laminate inner and outer relatively thin layers of polypropylene and an intermediate barrier layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol. The tray contains a base 14 and a peripheral wall 16, which form a space 20 for storing the product, i.e. tray 2 is filled with powdered food product 21 until the membrane 6 is attached to the open neck 15 of the tray. The peripheral wall 16 extends to the top edge 16, which has an outwardly extending flange 10. The lower rim 8 is formed as a flat ring and has the same dimensions as the outwardly extending flange 19. The lower rim 8 is injection molded from polypropylene, although it is understood that other suitable materials may also be used. The upper rim 10 and the cover 12 form a lid assembly 3 and are also made of injection molded polypropylene. The upper rim 10 is designed for mechanical engagement with the lower rim 8 fit with an interference fit, and contains snap connectors (not shown). The seal 6 comprises a tear line 22 defining an opening area 24, and comprises an exhaust tongue 26.

Production line 40 of packaging 1, the sequence diagram of which is shown in FIG. 5, is divided into many zones defined as a first zone 41 with reduced hygiene requirements, a zone 42 with increased hygiene requirements, a second zone 43 with reduced hygiene requirements and a third zone 44 with reduced hygiene requirements. The tray 2, the lower rim 8, the lid assembly 3 and the membrane 6 are fed through the first zone 41 with reduced hygiene requirements in the zone 42 with increased hygiene requirements. It should be noted that the trays 2 are prefabricated thermoformed trays with stabilized sizes, which were formed in at least 48 hours. In the area 42 with increased hygiene requirements, after the initial cleaning and purging, the tray 2 is filled with powdered milk 21. Then, a membrane 6 is applied to close the space 20 containing the product and hermetically sealed powdered milk in the tray 2. Then, the lower rim 8 is mounted on the membrane 6 the outwardly extending flange 19 on the upper edge 18 of the peripheral wall 16 and welded into place.

Then on the lower rim 8 install the lid assembly 3 and snap it into place. At this point, all the components that came into contact with the powdered milk 21 are enclosed in the semi-finished product 1 ′ of the package shown in FIG. 2. Now this semi-finished product can be moved from zone 42 with increased hygiene requirements to the second zone 43 with reduced hygiene requirements. It should be understood that so far only the processes related to the present invention have been described, and that in zone 42 with increased hygiene requirements, many other operations are carried out, including cleaning, checking, testing, etc.

In the second zone 43 with reduced hygiene requirements, a sleeve 4 is formed around the semi-finished product 1 'of the package to obtain the finished package 1, as will be described in more detail below. The finished package 1 is moved to the third zone 44 with reduced hygiene requirements for shipment to the customer.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the workpiece 28, used to form the sleeve 4, and the filled and sealed tray 2, centered on the bottom panel (not shown) of the workpiece 28. The workpiece material is high-quality cardboard with a density of 300 g / m ² coated with polyethylene . The blank 28 defines a plurality of side panels 30 and a lower panel (not shown), corner sections 32 and connecting tabs 34.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the assembly process of the package 1, in which first the side panels 30 "are folded to the side walls 16" of the tray 2. Before folding the side panels 30 ", glue is applied to the glued area 31. After connecting the side panels 30" to the side walls 16 "on the adhesive, the connecting tabs 34 are bent in the direction of the side walls 16 'and connected to the side walls 16' on the adhesive.

Then, an adhesive layer is applied to the glued areas 33 on the side panels 30 ′, Then the side panels 30 ′ are bent to the side walls 16 ′ of the tray 2 and glued to the connecting tabs 34 and the tray 2. After folding the side panels 30, the corner sections 32 bend around the rounded corners of the tray 2. Now the workpiece 28 is formed into a sleeve 4, which covers the tray 2, covering the side walls 16 and the base 14, and supports the relatively thin walls of the tray 2. The adhesive is a hot melt adhesive sold under the brand name TECHNOMELT ™ SUPRA 325 HT, manufactured by Henk el AG and having an application temperature of from 180 ° C to 190 ° C. It should be understood that although it has been indicated that the adhesive is applied to the areas 31, 33 designated for gluing, it can be applied to any desired location using an appropriate robotic glue applicator, and the adhesive can even be applied to the walls of the tray itself.

Thus, several embodiments of the invention have been described above. It should be understood that in the design and methods described above, you can make any modifications in addition to those described above, without going beyond the scope of the inventive idea and the scope of protection of the invention. Accordingly, although specific options have been described above, they are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF POSITIONS

1 - finished packaging

1 '- prefabricated packaging

2 - tray

3 - lid assembly

4 - sleeve

6 - membrane

8 - lower rim

10 - upper rim

12 - cover

14 - base

15 - open neck

16 - peripheral wall

18 - top edge

19 - flange

20 - product storage space

21 - powder product

22 - separation line

24 - opening area

26 - exhaust tongue

28 - workpiece

30 - side panel

31 - glued area

32 - corner section

33 - glued area

34 - connecting tongues

40 - production line

41 - the first zone with reduced hygiene requirements

42 - area with high hygiene requirements

43 - the second zone with reduced hygiene requirements

44 - the third zone with reduced hygiene requirements

Claims (24)

1. A method of manufacturing and filling a package with a powdered food product, comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a thermoformed tray having side walls and a base forming a space for receiving the product, fill the space for receiving the product with a powdered food product and seal the open neck of the tray with a membrane to seal the product contained in it; b) folding a cardboard blank having a plurality of panels around a filled tray to form a cardboard sleeve, wherein the cardboard blank contains a bottom panel and side wall panels, and after folding the cardboard blank into the tray, the cardboard sleeve contains a peripheral wall covering the side walls and at least least part of the foundation. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step b) further comprises the step of adhering panels to the tray. 3. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step b) further comprises a step at which the panels are glued to each other. 4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein step b) further comprises the step of adhering the bottom panel to the base of the tray. 5. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step b) comprises a step in which lateral displacement is applied to the panels to engage them with the side walls of the tray, after being bent towards the side walls of the tray. 6. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step b) further comprises a step on which the cardboard blank is taken from a cardboard blanks store containing a plurality of cardboard blanks. 7. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step b) further comprises the step of centering the cardboard blank and the thermoformed tray relative to each other. 8. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step a) further comprises the step of installing the lower rim on the upper edge of the tray. 9. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step a) further comprises installing a lid assembly comprising a top rim and a lid configured to repeatedly close onto the tray. 10. The method according to claims 8 and 9, in which the upper rim and the lower rim are mechanically connected to each other by interference fit. 11. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which step a) is performed in an area with increased hygiene requirements, determined by a pressure exceeding atmospheric, and a filtered atmosphere. 12. The method according to claim 11, in which step b) is performed outside the area with high hygiene requirements. 13. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the receiving space for the product is filled with a powdered food product in an atmosphere with a low oxygen content. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the low oxygen atmosphere comprises a carbon dioxide atmosphere. 15. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the tray has a wall thickness of from 0.10 to 0.50 mm, preferably from 0.15 to 0.40 mm 16. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the cardboard blank has a density of from 50 to 400 g / m ² , preferably from 100 to 300 g / m ² . 17. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the tray and sleeve have inclined side walls with an angle of inclination from 1 to 7 °, preferably about 3 °. 18. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the membrane comprises a weakened tear line forming an opening region and an exhaust tab. 19. A packaging for a powdered food product made by the method according to any preceding paragraph, comprising a thermoformed tray having side walls and a base forming a single space for receiving the product, filled with powdered food product, and a membrane mounted on the neck of the tray; and a cardboard sleeve containing a peripheral wall tightly covering the side walls and at least a portion of the base of the tray, the cardboard sleeve comprising a cardboard blank having a bottom panel and panels of side walls folded upward from the bottom panel and glued to each other and / or to tray. 20. The packaging according to claim 19, in which the powdered food product contains infant formula. 21. The package according to claim 19 or 20, in which the tray has a substantially rectangular shape and has a capacity of from 800 to 3000 ml. 22. The package according to any one of paragraphs.19-21, further comprising a lid assembly mounted on the tray, the lid assembly comprising an upper rim and a lid configured to be repeatedly closed.

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