USRE47175E1 - Compostable single-cup brew lid - Google Patents

Compostable single-cup brew lid Download PDF

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Publication number
USRE47175E1
USRE47175E1 US15/468,945 US201715468945A USRE47175E US RE47175 E1 USRE47175 E1 US RE47175E1 US 201715468945 A US201715468945 A US 201715468945A US RE47175 E USRE47175 E US RE47175E
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compostable
pla
layer
material according
printed
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Bill Reilly
Rob Pilcz
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C P Flexible Packaging Inc
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GENPAK LP
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/10—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. formed of separate pieces of material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B23/00—Layered products comprising a layer of cellulosic plastic substances, i.e. substances obtained by chemical modification of cellulose, e.g. cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, viscose
    • B32B23/04—Layered products comprising a layer of cellulosic plastic substances, i.e. substances obtained by chemical modification of cellulose, e.g. cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, viscose comprising such cellulosic plastic substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B23/08—Layered products comprising a layer of cellulosic plastic substances, i.e. substances obtained by chemical modification of cellulose, e.g. cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, viscose comprising such cellulosic plastic substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/10—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of paper or cardboard
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B29/00—Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard
    • B32B29/002—Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
    • B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/30—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
    • B32B2307/31—Heat sealable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
    • B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
    • Y02W90/10—Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics
    • Y02W90/12—
    • Y02W90/14—
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24843—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] with heat sealable or heat releasable adhesive layer
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24934—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including paper layer
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
    • Y10T428/31786—Of polyester [e.g., alkyd, etc.]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to materials used for the manufacture of single-cup brew lids.
  • Forming one aspect of the invention is a single-brew cup lid material comprising: a compostable printed layer; and a compostable layer that is sealable to PLA single-brew cups.
  • the compostable layer that is sealable to PLA single-brew cups can comprise a PLA-based film and a compostable core layer, the compostable core layer being disposed between the PLA-based film and the compostable printed layer.
  • the compostable printed layer can be printed paper.
  • the compostable printed layer can be reverse-printed cellulose.
  • the PLA-based film can be metallized.
  • the compostable core layer can be an aliphatic copolyester.
  • the compostable core layer can be an compostable extrudate.
  • the compostable core layer can be a compostable film secured to the adjacent layers by adhesive.
  • the PLA-based film can be about a 20 micron metallized PLA film;
  • the compostable core layer can be a 3 mil aliphatic copolyester film;
  • the printed layer can be a layer of printed about 21#/ream paper
  • the compostable core layer can be secured to the printed paper by about 1.5 gsm acrylic adhesive and to the PLA-based film by about 1.0 gsm urethane adhesive.
  • the material can have about the following properties:
  • Heat and blister resistance no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi
  • Oxygen barrier 0.4 cc/100 in2/24 hr
  • Moisture barrier 0.2 g/100 in2/24 hr
  • FIG. 1 is a stylized perspective view of a lamination according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 Reference is made to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , which will be seen to be a laminate material 20 comprising six (6) layers:
  • the product was found to be sealable, compostable, and useful in a variety of single cup brewing machines which use a hollow needle to convey hot or cold water into the cup.
  • the structure was observed to create a gasket or self-sealing effect when the hollow needle of the brewing equipment punctures the lid, so that the hot brewing water under pressure cannot escape through the puncture hole.
  • the structure includes the potential for reduced needle wear, as a result of the relatively soft, non-metallic substrates that can be employed in the place of the aluminum foil commonly used.
  • the gasket mechanism allows use with a range of film types that can be used on a variety of polymer resins materials used in the base cup.
  • metal detectors can now be used as an added safety feature.
  • the bonds, tear resistance and heat seal integrity of the finished lamination appear to be important to the functioning of the material in the brewing machine. While no single test measures the gasket effect, the propagated tear (Elmendorf) test has been found to be helpful as it quantifies the resistance to deformation and breakage of the soft gasket layer.
  • bleached kraft paper is used
  • natural, bleached, coloured or coated paper could be used, depending on the appearance and print quality desired.
  • cellophane can also be used in place of paper, which would typically be reverse printed, to avoid direct exposure of the print to the heat of the sealing operation and avoid ink pick off or scuff.
  • the core layer in the exemplary embodiment is an aliphatic copolyester film such as BASF Ecoflex
  • other materials other compostable materials such as Novamont Mater Bi, BASF EcoVio or Indaco Biotope could also be used.
  • the tensile modulus and tear properties of this layer are critical in order to have the softness and memory properties to allow the finished lamination to puncture and then conform tightly to the shape of the of the sharpened hollow needle while not tearing, splitting or zippering, nor causing the lid to become separated from the sealing flange of the cup.
  • the inner sealant layer is metalized PLA
  • other sealable, compostable films such as Novamont Mater Bi, BASF EcoVio or Indaco Biotope could also be used, depending on the cup or container resins used.
  • the structure could be produced by extrusion, in which case, that structure would comprise four layers: (i) print; (ii) paper; (iii) extruded Ecoflex resin; (iv) metallized PLA film.
  • metallized PLA film is used; this will normally be the case when a high barrier lamination is required. If high barrier is not required, e.g. due to a barrier overwrap being used to package the filled cups, then regular PLA or other compostable films could and would normally be used.
  • Types 12-14 are not metallized or nano-composite coated, and therefore do not have the high oxygen barrier properties appropriate for extended shelf life. Structures like these can be used when the cups are packed separately into barrier packaging overwrap, or when barrier is not required due to the shelf life requirements of the product.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)

Abstract

A single-cup brew lid material comprises: a compostable printed layer; and a compostable layer that is sealable to PLA single-cup brew containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/678,828 filed on Aug. 2, 2012.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to materials used for the manufacture of single-cup brew lids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Single cup brew machines have become popular due to convenience and quality of the beverage produced. The lids for these cups often use foil and other non-compostable materials, sealed to polystyrene or other non-compostable materials. As a result, the lid and cup are typically discarded after use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Forming one aspect of the invention is a single-brew cup lid material comprising: a compostable printed layer; and a compostable layer that is sealable to PLA single-brew cups.
According to another aspect of the invention, the compostable layer that is sealable to PLA single-brew cups can comprise a PLA-based film and a compostable core layer, the compostable core layer being disposed between the PLA-based film and the compostable printed layer.
According to another aspect of the invention, the compostable printed layer can be printed paper.
According to another aspect of the invention, the compostable printed layer can be reverse-printed cellulose.
According to another aspect of the invention, the PLA-based film can be metallized.
According to another aspect of the invention, the compostable core layer can be an aliphatic copolyester.
According to another aspect of the invention the compostable core layer can be an compostable extrudate.
According to another aspect of the invention, the compostable core layer can be a compostable film secured to the adjacent layers by adhesive.
According to another aspect of the invention, the PLA-based film can be about a 20 micron metallized PLA film; the compostable core layer can be a 3 mil aliphatic copolyester film; and the printed layer can be a layer of printed about 21#/ream paper
According to another aspect of the invention, the compostable core layer can be secured to the printed paper by about 1.5 gsm acrylic adhesive and to the PLA-based film by about 1.0 gsm urethane adhesive.
According to another aspect of the invention, the material can have about the following properties:
Ink adhesion: 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610 tape
Heat and blister resistance: no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi
Interlayer bond strength: >100 g/25 mm
Elmendorf (propagated)
tear resistance: >150 g both machine direction and transverse direction
Heat seal strength, lid to cup: >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the rim of a PLA cup, 150° C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi
Oxygen barrier: 0.4 cc/100 in2/24 hr
Moisture barrier: 0.2 g/100 in2/24 hr
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a stylized perspective view of a lamination according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is made to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, which will be seen to be a laminate material 20 comprising six (6) layers:
22 6 colour flexographic print
24 21#/ream bleached kraft paper
26 1.5 gsm acrylic adhesive
28 3 mil BASF Ecoflex aliphatic copolyester film.
30 1.0 gsm urethane adhesive
32 80 ga (20 micron) metallized PLA film, supplied by Celplast Metallized Products Limited
This material was tested, with results as shown below.
TABLE 1
Test Results
Ink adhesion 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610
tape
Heat and blister resistance Good (no visible blistering or ink pick-
off) when sealed at 150° C., 1 sec dwell
time, 40 psi
Interlayer bond strength >100 g/25 mm
Elmendorf (propagated) tear >150 g both machine direction and
resistance transverse direction
Heat seal strength, lid to cup >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the
rim of a PLA cup, 150° C., 1 sec dwell
time, 40 psi
Oxygen barrier 0.4 cc/100 in2/24 hr
Moisture barrier 0.2 g/100 in2/24 hr
In the description above, the following definitions apply:
#/ream yield as lbs. per ream, where a ream is 3,000 square feet
gsm yield as grams per square meter
mil unit of thickness, where 1 mil=0.001″
ga unit of thickness, where 100 ga=1 mil
micron unit of thickness, where 1,000,000 micron=1 meter, and 25.4 micron=1 mil
psi lbs per square inch
The product was found to be sealable, compostable, and useful in a variety of single cup brewing machines which use a hollow needle to convey hot or cold water into the cup. The structure was observed to create a gasket or self-sealing effect when the hollow needle of the brewing equipment punctures the lid, so that the hot brewing water under pressure cannot escape through the puncture hole.
Other advantages associated with the structure include the potential for reduced needle wear, as a result of the relatively soft, non-metallic substrates that can be employed in the place of the aluminum foil commonly used. As well, the gasket mechanism allows use with a range of film types that can be used on a variety of polymer resins materials used in the base cup. Further, by replacing the aluminum foil commonly used in cup lids with a non-metallic barrier layer such as a nano-composite barrier coating, metal detectors can now be used as an added safety feature.
Without intending to be bound by theory, the bonds, tear resistance and heat seal integrity of the finished lamination appear to be important to the functioning of the material in the brewing machine. While no single test measures the gasket effect, the propagated tear (Elmendorf) test has been found to be helpful as it quantifies the resistance to deformation and breakage of the soft gasket layer.
Whereas but a single exemplary embodiment is illustrated, variations are possible.
For example, whereas in the exemplary embodiment, bleached kraft paper is used, it will be understood that natural, bleached, coloured or coated paper could be used, depending on the appearance and print quality desired.
Further, cellophane can also be used in place of paper, which would typically be reverse printed, to avoid direct exposure of the print to the heat of the sealing operation and avoid ink pick off or scuff.
Additionally, whereas the core layer in the exemplary embodiment is an aliphatic copolyester film such as BASF Ecoflex, other materials, other compostable materials such as Novamont Mater Bi, BASF EcoVio or Indaco Biotope could also be used. The tensile modulus and tear properties of this layer are critical in order to have the softness and memory properties to allow the finished lamination to puncture and then conform tightly to the shape of the of the sharpened hollow needle while not tearing, splitting or zippering, nor causing the lid to become separated from the sealing flange of the cup.
Yet further, whereas in the exemplary embodiment, the inner sealant layer is metalized PLA, other sealable, compostable films such as Novamont Mater Bi, BASF EcoVio or Indaco Biotope could also be used, depending on the cup or container resins used.
Moreover, whereas the exemplary embodiment involves the use of an Ecoflex film core, secured by adhesive, the structure could be produced by extrusion, in which case, that structure would comprise four layers: (i) print; (ii) paper; (iii) extruded Ecoflex resin; (iv) metallized PLA film.
In the exemplary embodiment, metallized PLA film is used; this will normally be the case when a high barrier lamination is required. If high barrier is not required, e.g. due to a barrier overwrap being used to package the filled cups, then regular PLA or other compostable films could and would normally be used.
Other alternate embodiments are shown in the table below
LAYERS
Print substrate Adherent Core layer Adherent Sealant layer
Type 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 Print paper Adhesive BASF EcoFlex film adhesive nano-coated PLA
2 print paper NA BASF EcoFlex extrusion metallized PLA
lamination
3 Print paper NA BASF EcoFlex extrusion nano composite-
lamination coated PLA
4 print paper adhesive Novamont Mater Bi film adhesive metallized PLA
5 print paper adhesive Indaco Biotrope film adhesive metallized PLA
6 cellophane print adhesive BASF EcoFlex film adhesive metallized PLA
7 cellophane print adhesive BASF EcoFlex film adhesive nano composite-
coated PLA
8 cellophane print BASF EcoFlex extrusion metallized PLA
lamination
9 cellophane print BASF EcoFlex extrusion nano composite-
lamination coated PLA
10 cellophane print adhesive Novamont Mater Bi film adhesive metallized PLA
11 cellophane print adhesive Indaco Biotrope film adhesive metallized PLA
12 print Paper adhesive BASF EcoVio film
(PLA-based)
13 print paper BASF EcoFlex extrusion BASF EcoVio film
lamination (PLA-based)
14 print paper adhesive EcoFlex film heat seal coating
Types 12-14 are not metallized or nano-composite coated, and therefore do not have the high oxygen barrier properties appropriate for extended shelf life. Structures like these can be used when the cups are packed separately into barrier packaging overwrap, or when barrier is not required due to the shelf life requirements of the product.
Yet further variations are possible. Accordingly, the invention should be understood as limited only by the accompanying claims, purposively construed.

Claims (23)

The invention claimed is:
1. A single-brew cup lid material comprising:
a compostable printed layer; and
a compostable layer that can is adapted to be sealed to PLA single-brew cups,
wherein:
the compostable layer that can be sealed to PLA single-brew cups comprises a PLA-based film and a compostable core layer, the compostable core layer being disposed between the PLA-based film and the compostable printed layer;
the compostable core layer is aliphatic copolyester; and
the compostable core layer is a compostable film secured to the compostable printed layer and the PLA-based film by adhesive; and
the material has the following properties:
ink adhesion 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610 Tape heat and blister resistance no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi interlayer bond strength >100 g/25 mm Elmendorf (propagated) >150 g both machine direction and tear resistance transverse direction Heat seal strength, lid to cup >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the rim of a PLA cup, 15 C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi.
2. A material according to claim 1, wherein the compostable printed layer is printed paper.
3. A material according to claim 1, wherein the compostable printed layer is reverse-printed cellulose.
4. A material according to claim 1, wherein the PLA-based film is metallized.
5. A material according to claim 1, wherein the compostable core layer is a compostable extrudate.
6. A material according to claim 1, wherein
the PLA-based film is about a 20 micron metallized PLA film; and
the compostable core layer is a 3 mil aliphatic copolyester film.
7. A material according to claim 6, wherein the compostable printed layer is a layer of printed 21#/ream paper.
8. A material according to claim 7, wherein the compostable core layer is secured to the printed paper by about 1.5 gsm acrylic adhesive and to the PLA-based film by about 1.0 gsm urethane adhesive.
9. A material according to claim 1, having the following properties:
Ink adhesion: 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610 tape
Heat and blister resistance: no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi
Interlayer bond strength: >100 g/25 mm
Elmendorf (propagated)
tear resistance: >150 g both machine direction and transverse direction
Heat seal strength, lid to cup: >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the rim of a PLA cup, 150′ C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi.
10. A single-brew cup lid material comprising:
a compostable printed layer; and
a compostable layer that can is adapted to be sealed to PLA single-brew cups,
wherein
the compostable layer that can be sealed to PLA single-brew cups comprises a metallized PLA-based film and a compostable core layer, the compostable core layer being disposed between the PLA-based film and the compostable printed layer the PLA-based film is metallized;
the compostable core layer is a compostable film secured to the PLA-based film and the compostable printed layer by adhesive; and
the compostable core layer is an aliphatic copolyester; and
the material has the following properties:
ink adhesion 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610 Tape heat and blister resistance no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C. 1 sec dwell time. 40 psi interlayer bond strength >100 g/25 mm Elmendori (propagated) >150 a both machine direction and tear resistance transverse direction Heat seal strength, lid to cup >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the rim of a PLA cup, 150° C. 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi.
11. A material according to claim 10, wherein the compostable printed layer is printed paper.
12. A material according to claim 10, wherein the compostable printed layer is reverse-printed cellulose.
13. A material according to claim 10, wherein the compostable core layer is a compostable extrudate.
14. A material according to claim 13, wherein
the PLA-based film is about a 20 micron metallized PLA film; and
the compostable core layer is a 3 mil aliphatic copolyester film.
15. A material according to claim 14, wherein the compostable printed layer is a layer of printed 21#/ream paper.
16. A material according to claim 15, wherein the compostable core layer is secured to the printed paper by about 1.5 gsm acrylic adhesive and to the PLA-based film by about 1.0 gsm urethane adhesive.
17. A material according to claim 10, having the following properties:
Ink adhesion: 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610 tape
Heat and blister resistance: no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi
Interlayer bond strength: >100 g/25 mm
Elmendorf (propagated)
tear resistance: >150 g both machine direction and transverse direction
Heat seal strength, lid to cup: >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the rim of a PLA cup, 150′ C., 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi.
18. A single-brew cup lid material comprising:
a compostable printed layer;
a sealable, compostable film that is adapted to be sealed to PLA single-brew cups; and
a compostable film disposed between the sealable, compostable film and the printed layer and secured to each by adhesive,
the material having the following properties:
ink adhesion 100% ink adhesion using Scotch 610 Tam heat and blister resistance no visible blistering or ink pick-off when sealed at 150° C. 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi interlayer bond strength >100 g/25 mm Elmendorf (propagated) >150 a both machine direction and tear resistance transverse direction heat seal strength, lid to cup >1000 g/25 mm, lid sealed against the rim of a PLA cup. 150° C. 1 sec dwell time, 40 psi,
19. A material according to claim 18, wherein the sealable compostable film comprises polyester and PLA.
20. A material according to claim 18, wherein the compostable printed layer is printed paper.
21. A material according to claim 18, wherein the compostable printed layer is reverse-printed cellulose.
22. A material according to claim 18, wherein the compostable film is aliphatic copolyester.
23. A material according to claim 22, wherein the copolyester film is secured to the printed layer by about 1.5 gsm acrylic adhesive and to the polyester-based film by about 1.0 gsm urethane adhesive.
US15/468,945 2012-08-02 2017-03-24 Compostable single-cup brew lid Active 2034-04-12 USRE47175E1 (en)

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CA2822616C (en) 2020-08-04
US20140037916A1 (en) 2014-02-06
US9321240B2 (en) 2016-04-26

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