WO2008009092A1 - Systèmes de conditionnement sous atmosphère modifiée présentant des membranes en matière plastique perméables aux gaz et une fenêtre destinés à conditionner des fruits et des légumes frais, ainsi que des fleurs fraîches coupées dans des plateaux euro modifiés - Google Patents

Systèmes de conditionnement sous atmosphère modifiée présentant des membranes en matière plastique perméables aux gaz et une fenêtre destinés à conditionner des fruits et des légumes frais, ainsi que des fleurs fraîches coupées dans des plateaux euro modifiés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008009092A1
WO2008009092A1 PCT/CA2006/001404 CA2006001404W WO2008009092A1 WO 2008009092 A1 WO2008009092 A1 WO 2008009092A1 CA 2006001404 W CA2006001404 W CA 2006001404W WO 2008009092 A1 WO2008009092 A1 WO 2008009092A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
container
polymer
paperboard
kraft paper
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2006/001404
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Perry D. Lidster
Cheong Kit Leung
Original Assignee
Freshxtend Technologies Corp.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Freshxtend Technologies Corp. filed Critical Freshxtend Technologies Corp.
Publication of WO2008009092A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008009092A1/fr

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H27/00—Special paper not otherwise provided for, e.g. made by multi-step processes
    • D21H27/30—Multi-ply
    • D21H27/32—Multi-ply with materials applied between the sheets
    • D21H27/34—Continuous materials, e.g. filaments, sheets, nets
    • D21H27/36—Films made from synthetic macromolecular compounds
    • 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
    • B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
    • 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
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4295—Ventilating arrangements, e.g. openings, space elements
    • 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
    • B65D2565/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D2565/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D2565/381—Details of packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D2565/388—Materials used for their gas-permeability
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
    • D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D21H27/00—Special paper not otherwise provided for, e.g. made by multi-step processes
    • D21H27/10—Packing paper

Definitions

  • This invention relates to novel modified atmosphere package systems for packaging of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers in Euro trays. More particularly, this invention relates to the design, construction, closure, sealing and use of modified atmosphere paperboard package systems with gas-permeable plastic membranes for loading into customized Euro trays for containing and prolonging the storage life and maintaining freshness of fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers using modified atmosphere in the headspaces of the closed package systems.
  • Corrugated paperboard boxes and cartons are used commercially for the storage and transport of fresh horticultural commodities.
  • the advantages of the corrugated paperboard boxes and cartons are the relatively low cost per unit volume, low thermal energy conductivity, impact absorbing ability to prevent bruising of commodities and ease of disposal at the receiving end.
  • One type of corrugated paperboard box is known as a Euro tray. It has a standard horizontal dimension of 40 cm width and 60 cm length.
  • Conventional corrugated paperboard has a very high gas and moisture permeability and as such is unsuitable for modified atmosphere packaging of horticultural commodities.
  • the fresh produce industry incorporates the use of stackable corrugated fiberboard cartons or returnable plastic crates of various sizes and shapes to accommodate a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables for transportation to market.
  • stackable fiberboard cartons used in the produce industry, namely open style cartons which incorporate apertures such as hand-holds and concavities for refrigerated air circulation and closed style cartons which do not include the apertures and concavities but incorporate selective gas permeable membranes to limit gas exchange between the sealed cartons and ambient atmosphere.
  • the main advantages of the open style cartons allows for direct field packing of the harvested produce in the cartons, followed by refrigeration and shipment to market.
  • the simple packaging and cooling of the produce provides significant time, labor and cost savings.
  • the main disadvantages of this type of packaging is that the free movement of oxygen around the produce maintains respiration rates and thus reduces the amount of time the produce can be stored and/or transported. To offset some of these deleterious effects, produce is harvested earlier in the growing season, while the produce is still green. This is before optimal nutritional values and desirable tastes have developed, thus reducing the quality of the produce delivered to market.
  • Another disadvantage of the open style packaging is the minimal protection afforded to temperature fluctuations frequently encountered during transportation to market.
  • MAP modified atmosphere packaging
  • the fruits, vegetables and flowers convert O 2 from the headspace to CO 2 through the respiration process with the result that the O 2 content in the headspace decreases while the CO 2 content increases.
  • the objective in the design of an effective package system for MAP of produce is to regulate the influx of O 2 to an efflux of CO 2 from the package headspace to achieve and maintain a suitable equilibrium modified atmosphere in the headspace around the stored produce for optimum retention of the quality attributes and for the reduction of microbial growth while the fruits, vegetables and flowers are being shipped from source to destination, and storage at the destination.
  • Package systems for MAP must be designed and constructed with specific packaging materials to meet the following requirements:
  • the gas and moisture permeabilities of package components of MA package systems are critical parameters.
  • the technology of plastic polymeric films has advanced to such an extent that a specific gas permeability requirement can be met with a single plastic film or a multifilm combination, with or without vent pinholes.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,575,418, issued 19 November 1996, Wu et al. relates to novel package systems for refrigerated modified atmosphere packaging of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. More particularly, the patent discloses the design, construction, closure, sealing and use of gas-permeable corrugated paperboard package systems for prolonging the storage life of fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers under modified atmosphere in the headspaces of the closed package system.
  • the corrugated gas permeable paperboard comprises: (a) a first layer of kraft paper; (b) a layer of polymer having a gas permeability which permits gas to be transmitted through the polymeric film at prescribed levels; (c) a second layer of kraft paper, said first and second layers of kraft paper sandwiching the polymer between them; (d) a corrugated fluting; and (e) a third layer of kraft paper affixed to the corrugated fluting.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,609,293, issued 11 March 1997, Wu et al. relates to the design, construction and use of lined or coated corrugated paperboard package systems (e.g. boxes, cartons) for prolonging the storage life of fresh fruits and vegetables under modified atmospheres (MA) in the headspaces of the closed package systems.
  • the plastic-paperboard construction comprises a first layer of polymeric film, a second layer of kraft paper adjacent the first layer, a kraft paper corrugated flute adjacent the second layer and a fourth layer of kraft paper adjacent the flute.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,050,412, issued 18 April 2000, Clough, et al. relates to a novel method and apparatus for packaging and shipping horticultural products including cut flowers.
  • the patent discloses a novel method of and packaging for packaging cut flowers in a modified atmosphere package to prolong shelf life, shipping the packaged flowers to the destination, and then at the destination, opening the package and rehydrating the cut flowers in the package by saturating the stems of the flowers with water.
  • the invention is directed to a closed gas permeable paperboard package comprising a box and a lid, each constructed of: (a) a first layer of kraft paper; (b) an intermediate layer of gas permeable polymer; and (c) a second layer of kraft paper, said first and second layers of kraft paper sandwiching the polymer between them, said paperboard box and lid each having a gas permeability which permits gas to be transmitted through the paperboard box and lid at prescribed levels.
  • the gas permeability of the polymer or paperboard can be between about 50 and 100,000 cc 3 /m 2 24 hr. 1 atm.
  • the first layer of kraft paper, the layer of polymer and the second layer of kraft paper can be formed together at the same time.
  • the layer of polymer can be extruded on one side of the first layer of kraft paper and then affixed to the second layer of kraft paper and then laminated between the first layer of kraft paper and the second layer of kraft paper.
  • the layer of polymer or coating can be low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene, or a copolymer of low density polyethylene and ethylenebutyl-acetate, or other polymers.
  • the gas permeability of the paperboard can be regulated by dictating the amount and composition of the polymer, or by regulating the rate of extrusion of the polymer in forming the layer of polymer.
  • the invention is also directed to a gas-permeable modified atmosphere paperboard combination comprising: (a) a first layer of kraft paper; (b) a layer of controlled gas permeable polymer with no natural pinholes therein; and (c) a second layer of kraft paper, said first and second layers of kraft paper sandwiching the layer of polymer between them.
  • the gas permeability of the polymer can be between about 50 and 100,000 cc 3 /m 2 24 hr. 1 atm.
  • the first layer of kraft paper, the layer of polymer and the second layer of kraft paper can be affixed together in one step.
  • the layer of polymer can be extruded on one side of the first layer of kraft paper and the second layer of kraft paper can then affixed to the layer of polymer on the side opposite the first layer of kraft paper.
  • the layer of polymer can be preformed and can then be laminated between the first layer of kraft paper and the second layer of kraft paper.
  • the layer of polymer can be low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene, or a copolymer of low density polyethylene and ethylenebutylacetate.
  • the polymer can be selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinylacetate
  • EVA ethylbutyl acetate
  • PC polycarbonate
  • the overall permeability of the paperboard combination can be regulated by regulating the thickness of the polymer and the processing conditions in forming the paperboard combination so that no natural pinholes are formed.
  • the overall permeability of the paperboard combination can be regulated in part by regulating the composition of the polymer layer and the type of kraft paper.
  • a portion of the first layer of kraft paper and a corresponding opposite portion of the second layer of kraft paper can be absent so that the intermediate polymer layer forms a window.
  • the polymer layer at the location of the window can include an anti-fog agent.
  • the anti-fog agent can be silicone, non-ionic surfactant or an oil -based material.
  • the invention is also directed to a paperboard modified atmosphere package container suitable for packaging fruits and vegetables under refrigerated modified atmosphere conditions comprising: (a) a container constructed of an erected paperboard blank having flaps, side panels, end panels, base panel and lid panel with flaps, side panels and end panels formed therein and fold and joint lines impressed therein, said paperboard blank being constructed of: (i) a first layer of kraft paper; (ii) a layer of polymer having a gas permeability which permits gas to be transmitted in either direction through the polymer at prescribed levels; and (iii) a second layer of kraft paper, said first and second layers of kraft paper sandwiching the polymer between them; and (b) glue applied to intersecting joints, flaps, side panels, end panels, and lid panels to provide a hermetic seal to the erected con- tainer, said container having a required overall permeability which permits gas to be transmitted into or out of the container.
  • the flaps, side panels, end panels and base panel of the container can be formed from one piece of paperboard and the lid panel with flaps, side panels and end panels can be formed from a second piece of paperboard.
  • the glue can be hot melt glue which can be applied to cover exposed and intersecting edges of the joints, flaps, side panels, end panels and lid panels.
  • the glue can be a foamed glue which can be applied to cover exposed and intersecting edges of the joints, flaps, side panels, end panels and lid panels.
  • the glue can be cold set water resistant glue which can be applied to cover exposed and intersecting edges of the joints, flaps, side panels, end panels and lid panels.
  • At least some edges of the joints, flaps and panels can be sealed with tape. At least some of the joints, flaps and panels can be sealed with glue and tape.
  • a first side of the first layer of kraft paper, opposite the side adjacent the polymer layer, can be coated with a polymeric coating. Edges of flaps intersecting with sides of the container can be sealed with glue, and the flaps can be bent around the corners of the glued edges, and can be glued at a second location.
  • a portion of the first layer of kraft paper and an adjacent portion of the second layer of kraft paper can be absent to thereby form a window in the container.
  • the lid panel can have a window.
  • the window can incorporate or have on its surface an anti-fog agent.
  • the anti-fog agent can be silicone, non-ionic surfactant or an oil-based material.
  • the layer of polymer can be at least partially permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide. Exposed edges of flaps and sides can be folded, and the exposed edges of the paperboard can be sealed with glue.
  • the layer of polymer can be selected so that the container can have a gas permeability which is within a predetermined gas transmission range which is selected in accordance with the respiration rate and characteristics of produce to be packaged in the container.
  • the layer of polymer can be flexible and can have selected gas and moisture permeabilities.
  • the gas permeability of the polymer can be between about 50 and 100,000 cc 3 /m 2 24 hr. 1 atm.
  • the container can be filled with produce, a modified atmosphere can be injected into the container, and the container can be held at a temperature between about 1 ° C to 12° C.
  • the invention also pertains to a paperboard modified atmosphere package container combination suitable for packaging fruits, vegetables and cut flowers under refrigerated modified atmosphere conditions comprising: (a) a container constructed of erected paperboard lid and body blanks having joints, flaps, side panels, end panels, base panels and lid panels formed therein and fold and joint lines impressed therein, said paperboard blanks being constructed of: (i) a first layer of kraft paper; (ii) a layer of polymer having a gas permeability which permits gas to be transmitted in either direction through the polymer at prescribed levels; and (iii) a second layer of kraft paper; glue applied to intersecting joints, flaps, side panels, end panels, base panels and lid panels to provide a hermetic seal to the erected container; and (b) a Euro tray holding the container.
  • a plurality of erected containers containing fruit or vegetables can be positioned in the Euro tray.
  • the Euro tray can have recessed ends and sides to facilitate circulation of cool air when the Euro trays are stacked upon one another.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an erected and assembled three-layer linerboard to construct a two-piece MAP box base and lid.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an erected three-layer linerboard to construct a one-piece MAP box base and lid.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a three-layer linerboard erected in the shape of a bag.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a square bottom for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a square lid for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a rectangular bottom for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a rectangu- lar lid for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a square bottom and lid for a one-piece MAP package.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a rectangular bottom and lid for a one-piece MAP package.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a side section view of a portion of a three-layer linerboard, with a window area that is the polymer layer without kraft paper layers on either side of the polymer layer.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of a blank for a modified Eurobox.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a modified Eurobox with recessed sides and ends.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of a modified Eurobox holding a series of MAP packages according to the invention.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank for a MA bag, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • This invention pertains to the design, construction, closure, sealing and use of novel consumer friendly paperboard package systems (e.g. boxes, cartons) formulated to include plastic coating or film of selected gas permeability as part of the wall structure for prolonging the storage life of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers under modified atmosphere (MA) in the headspaces of the closed package systems, and retail purchase by consumers.
  • novel consumer friendly paperboard package systems e.g. boxes, cartons
  • plastic coating or film of selected gas permeability as part of the wall structure for prolonging the storage life of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers under modified atmosphere (MA) in the headspaces of the closed package systems, and retail purchase by consumers.
  • the modified Euro tray is an open tray with air circulating recessed sides and ends and has strong corner supports which enables the modified Euro trays to be stacked on a pallet.
  • a common request from customers of packaged fruits, vegetables and flowers is a capability to view the packaged product without opening the package.
  • a window in the package is desirable.
  • the window since the packaged product is refrigerated and since moisture is present in the interior of the package from fruit or vegetables, the window, if there is one, usually fogs up from condensation.
  • a problem with conventional corrugated modified atmosphere packaged fruit, vegetables or flowers is that the corrugated paperboard construction provides insulation, which retains heat. If the fruit or vegetable product in the package is warm, it requires time to cool down to acceptable modified atmosphere refrigeration levels.
  • a window in the package is useful because it transmits respiration heat from the packaged produce, whereas linerboard inhibits heat transmission.
  • a window also enables the produce to be cooled quickly to refrigeration temperatures if the produce is initially at room temperature.
  • the weight of the fruits or vegetables to be packaged can be in a range from small such as 100 g to a large package such as 5 kg (equivalent of a wholesale pack).
  • the MA packages are adapted to include fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, meat and fish.
  • paper companies manufacture coated paper products or laminated papers. However, the purpose or usage of such papers is mainly for water repellent or physical strength.
  • the three-layer linerboard blanks for the MA package have sufficient physical strength that they can be constructed into boxes or bags with a clear window.
  • the linerboard blanks can be cut with appropriate fold lines to form either a two-piece container (box base and lid) or a one-piece container with the lid flap folding over the open top of the box base. Square, rectangular and other shapes are possible.
  • the openings between the lid and the bottom are taped or glued to seal the package completely in order to provide an MA atmosphere.
  • the linerboard blanks can be formed so that the lid area has a window, which is created by not having a first or second layer of kraft paper obscuring the polymer film in the window area.
  • the polymer film layer for the window should be reasonably clear and contain or be treated with an anti-fog agent.
  • the glue used to seal the MA package must be waterproof.
  • the linerboard must be of a specified weight to provide the appropriate strength.
  • the linerboard weight can be about 100 to 140 g/m 2 .
  • a larger range is included in the scope of the invention for wholesale and other applications.
  • the paper weight can be reduced but the polymer must remain approximately the same for gas transmission purposes.
  • the thinner linerboard for bags is more pliable and can be formed on a packaging machine into paper bags without sacrificing gas permeability.
  • the weight of the linerboard can be 140 g/m 2 but broader ranges are included in the scope of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an erected and assembled three-layer linerboard to construct a two-piece MAP box and lid.
  • the two-piece MA box bottom and Hd 2 is constructed of a lid 4 which fits snugly on a box bottom 6.
  • the adjacent two layers of kraft paper on each side of the intermediate polymer film layer for the lid 4 are absent in the central area of the lid to create a window 8.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an erected three-layer linerboard to construct a one-piece MAP box bottom and lid.
  • the one-piece MA box bottom and lid is constructed with a lid 12 and a window 14, the lid 12 folding snugly over a box base 10.
  • Side flaps 22 extend downwardly from the lid 12 on three sides and fit snugly on the sides of the box base 10.
  • the hinge for the lid 12 is at crease 11.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a three-layer linerboard erected in the shape of a bag. As seen in FIG. 3, the bag has an upright body 16 with a peaked top 20.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a box bottom for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • the box base 6 is formed from the three-layer linerboard in a square pattern, with fold lines 22 which define the box bottom 6 and side flaps 24.
  • fold lines 22 which define the box bottom 6 and side flaps 24.
  • a square shaped box bottom 6 is formed, as shown also in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a lid for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • the lid 4 is formed from the three-layer linerboard blank and has thereon a central square window 8, fold lines 26 which define the central area of the lid 4 and surrounding sides 28.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a rectangular bottom for a two-piece MAP paperboard package.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a rectangular lid for a two-piece MAP paper- board package.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a box bottom and lid for a one-piece MAP package.
  • the one-piece MA box base and lid is formed from a three-layer linerboard blank to define a box bottom 10, an adjoining lid 12, with window 14.
  • a series of fold lines 30 define box bottom sides 24 and lid sides 22.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank of a rectangular bottom and lid for a one-piece MAP package.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a side section view of a portion of a three-layer linerboard with a window area that is formed by having kraft paper layers absent on each side of the polymer layer.
  • the linerboard is constructed of a first layer of kraft paper 34, an intermediate layer 36 of polymer film, preferably transparent, and a second layer of kraft paper 38.
  • the polymer film 36 is exposed, by removing the first and second layers of the kraft paper 34, 38 on the opposite sides of the window 8.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of a blank for a modified Eurobox.
  • the Eurobox 40 is erected from a cardboard blank which has a series of fold lines 42.
  • the box 40 has recessed sides 44 and ends 46.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a modified Eurobox with recessed sides and ends.
  • the modified Euro tray 40 is sized to standard- ized shipping container specifications, namely 40 cm x 60 cm, and has recessed sides 44 and recessed ends 46.
  • the tray 40 also has reinforced corners 48, which enable the trays to be stacked.
  • the recessed sides 44 and ends 46 enable refrigerated air to be circulated through both the sides and ends of stacked Euro trays 40.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of a modified Eurobox holding a series of MAP packages.
  • the modified Euro tray 40 with reinforced corners 48 and recessed sides 44 and ends 46, is filled with rows of MA box bottoms and lids 2.
  • the MA packages 2 are loaded with fresh fruit, vegetables or flowers. It will be recognized that while twelve MA containers are shown in FIG. 12, the sizes of the containers can be varied so that larger MA containers can fill the modified Euro tray 40, such as six or eight MA packages to a Euro tray.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a three-layer linerboard blank for a MA bag, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the linerboard blank for the bag has a front side 48 with window 18, a rear side 50, a pair of bottom panels 52 and a pair of top panels 54 which when folded together form the peaked top 20 (see FIG. 3).
  • the dotted lines 56 indicate fold lines.
  • the bag is erected by folding the blank along the fold lines. The overlapping panels are glued together to form the sealed upright MA bag.
  • Corrugated paperboard boxes and cartons are used commercially for the storage and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables for the following reasons: 1. Relatively low cost per unit volume; 2. Low thermal conductivity;
  • corrugated paperboard has very high O 2 and CO 2 permeabilities, this material by itself would be unsuitable for the construction of MA package systems.
  • a plastic, gas-permeable membrane into the corrugated paperboard structure, suitable MA package systems with specific gas and moisture permeabilities can be constructed.
  • the tri-layer linerboard comprising polymer film 30, and paper layers 28 and 32 (see FIG. 6) is formed by securing the film 30 between two layers of paper 28 and 32 by gluing or heat treatment..
  • the tri-layer liner with the polymeric plastic film membrane 30 as the middle layer will prevent water movement from the inside cavity, filled with a fruit or vegetable, with the benefit of the retention of the original wall strength.
  • a gas-permeable, flexible polymeric plastic film with specific gas and moisture permeabilities is suitable for placement between two sheets 28 and 32 of kraft paper to form a tri-layer complex with specific O 2 and CO 2 and moisture permeabilities.
  • the tri-layer liner may be manufactured by any of the following production methods:
  • Extrusion Lamination This is a process whereby a molten polymer is extruded through a slit die and applied as a laminant to combine the two kraft paper substrates.
  • extrusion lamination it is possible to produce very thin calliper films thereby producing a material with high permeability characteristics. Such thin polymer films would not be practical if produced as separate film liners or bag-in-box.
  • laminat- ing to kraft paper physical support is provided to protect the thin polymer film.
  • the gas permeable polymeric layer can be homopolymers or copolymers produced as a monolayer or coextruded layers with specific formulation and caliper selected to produce the required oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) permeabilities.
  • Polymers would likely be selected from the polyolefin family, typically Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium and high density polyethylene (MDPE and HDPE), polypropy- lene (PP).
  • Additional polymers such as ethylenevinylacetate (EVA), ethyl butyl acetate (EBA), ionomer resins (cross-linked), cast polyester (PET), nylon (polyamide) and polycarbonate (PC) may also be considered.
  • Coextrusions combining low density polyethylene with ethylenevinylacetate or ethylbutylacetate have been found to be particularly effective in lowering gas barrier to produce a highly permeable film. Percentages of ethylenevinylacetate or ethylbutylacetate are at the range of 5% to 30% .
  • a further unique embodiment of this invention is the ability of the box to maintain its internal equilibrium volume under varying gas compositions in the headspace.
  • the gas permeability of the box prevents a vacuum condition developing which can occur in conventional MAP systems if the package produce starts to absorb carbon dioxide. If such conditions were to develop in the permeable box, the controlled influx of gases through the gas permeable film would not allow a vacuum to develop.
  • the rate of gas exchange within the box may be achieved by a combination of polymer barrier and controlled film porosity. Porosity may also be achieved by piercing holes through the polymer containing inner liner either at the corrugating stage, die cutting operation, box forming stage, or in the completed box. Hole size, either single or multiple, may vary depending on the required gas exchange rate but typical diameter would be in the range of 0.25 to 2.00 mm. Hole positions on the box will vary depending on the optimum location for each product and the gas flow dynamics within the box.
  • Polymer characteristics Melt flow index, additives (processing aids).
  • Paper characteristics Fibre length, virgin or recycled pulp, smooth or rough side, with or without calender process.
  • the plastic film membrane 30 is sandwiched between two sheets 28 and 32 of kraft paper to form a tri-layer complex as the inner liner of a paperboard MA package system.
  • the film membrane 30 may be a gas-permeable plastic film or a plastic coating applied to one of the sheets of kraft paper, and then sealed between the two sheets. The membrane is bonded to both of the kraft paper sheets when the plastic is in semi-molten state and the two paper sheets are pressed together.
  • the thickness of the bag film must be at least 6 mil to ensure bag durability during the handling, and thus high package cost and low gas permeability of the bag is unavoidable.
  • Thin plastic film serves as a cold surface for condensation of water emitted from the produce, and can result in weight loss of produce.
  • the single-piece and three-piece types of MA package systems are to be constructed in such a manner that upon gluing, folding and pressing at glue points, the following requirements are met: 1.
  • the inside surface of the package systems are smooth with no paper board projections.
  • the package systems must be resistant to stacking-pressure collapse.
  • the MA package systems are airtight, yet the walls have specific O 2 and CO 2 permeabilities.
  • the single-piece type MA package system is intended to be used on a continuous-flow or a batch-type operation consisting of:
  • the single-piece type MA package system may have gas inlet and gas outlet apertures in the two end panels for gasification of the produce headspace in a completely closed MA package system (including glued, sealed flaps).
  • a further benefit of injecting gas into an hermetically sealed box is that it is possible to include a trace gas, typically helium or sulphur hexafluoride as a leak detection method. Provided the box is relying on gas permeability and not porosity, it is possible to sense gas escape through cracks, unwanted pinholes or faulty glue seals.
  • a trace gas typically helium or sulphur hexafluoride
  • plugs with vent pinholes or styrofoam plugs would be used for produce with high respiration rates and gas-impermeable plastic plugs may be used for low respiration rate produce.
  • the two-piece type MA package system is intended to be used on a continuous-flow or a batch-type operation consisting of:
  • the three-piece type package system may have gas inlet and gas outlet apertures in the two end panels for gasification of the produce headspace in a completely closed MA package system.
  • a gas nozzle into the inlet aperture and upon the flow of a pressurized gas mixture through the headspace of the package system, plugs with vent pinholes or styrofoam plugs are to be inserted.
  • Styrofoam plugs would be used for produce with high respiration rate produce, and gas-impermeable plastic plugs or gas-impermeable tape may be used for low respiration rate produce.
  • barrier materials were manufactured according to the following procedures:
  • the tri-layer samples were constructed using 40 g/m 2 MG kraft-f- Polymer + 125 g/m 2 MG kraft liner. Two kinds of kraft paper were used: 125 g/m 2 and 40 g/m 2 .
  • the smoothness (roughness) measurements of both sides were as follows:
  • LDPE low density polyethylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • EBA ethylene butyl acetate
  • extrusion polymer melting temperature was 315° C and the air gap (or nip height) was 200 mm.
  • air gap or nip height
  • the relationship of thickness of the polymer layer and the gas permeability of that material do not necessarily follow the general principle of polymer film, ie. that the gas permeability of the film is inversely proportional to the thickness.
  • the gas permeability is mainly governed by the polymer type and the process conditions, but is less affected by the amount of polymer used. 3.
  • the smooth side of MG paper was used for polymer coating, the gas permeability was more consistent, and less pinholes were formed.
  • barrier materials of various permeabilities can be achieved, for very high respiring produce, high permeability materials need to be developed.
  • the permeability of a barrier material can be achieved by making controlled pinholes.
  • the rate of gas exchange within the box may be achieved by a combination of polymer barrier and Controlled film porosity. Porosity may be achieved by piercing holes through the polymer containing inner liner either at the corrugating stage, die cutting operation, or box forming stage. Hole size, either single or multiple, may vary depending on the required gas exchange rate but typically would be in the range of 0.25 to 2.00 mm diameter. Hole positions on the box will vary depending on the optimum location for each product and the gas flow dynamics within the box.
  • pinhole size and pinhole numbers will affect the resulting final gas permeability.
  • Table 3 gives examples of using different sizes of pinholes to achieve same open areas and relative permeabilities.
  • a box (dimension 56 x 39 x 19 cm) made of paperboard and tri-layer barrier liner G was filled with 20 - 21 Ib. fresh broccoli crowns.
  • the permeability of this MAP package was found to be very close to the broccoli produce's need but not exactly right. Therefore the controlled pinhole method was used to improve the gas permeability packaging condition.
  • the gas composition in the headspace and the quality of the broccoli product are presented in the following table.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne de nouveaux systèmes de conditionnement destinés au conditionnement, sous atmosphère modifiée, de fruits et de légumes frais et de fleurs fraîches coupées. En particulier, l'invention concerne une conception, une construction, une fermeture, un élément d'étanchéité et une utilisation de systèmes de conditionnement en carton imperméables aux gaz et de plateaux de transport destinés à prolonger la durée de vie de fruits et de légumes frais et de fleurs fraîches coupées, sous atmosphère modifiée, dans un espace libre du système de conditionnement fermé. Un carton perméable aux gaz de l'invention comprend : (a) une première couche de papier kraft; (b) une couche de polymère présentant une perméabilité aux gaz permettant aux gaz d'être transmis à travers le film polymère à des niveaux prescrits; (c) une seconde couche de papier kraft, la première couche de papier kraft et la seconde couche de papier kraft prenant en sandwich le polymère entre elles.
PCT/CA2006/001404 2006-07-20 2006-08-25 Systèmes de conditionnement sous atmosphère modifiée présentant des membranes en matière plastique perméables aux gaz et une fenêtre destinés à conditionner des fruits et des légumes frais, ainsi que des fleurs fraîches coupées dans des plateaux euro modifiés WO2008009092A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/458,951 US20080020104A1 (en) 2006-07-20 2006-07-20 Modified atmosphere package systems with gas-permeable plastic membranes and window for packaging of fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers in modified euro trays
US11/458,951 2006-07-20

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WO2008009092A1 true WO2008009092A1 (fr) 2008-01-24

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FR2938509B1 (fr) * 2008-11-18 2013-04-19 Ras Holding Caisse de conditionnement en carton ondule et appareil pour la fabrication d'une telle caisse
WO2013013132A1 (fr) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-24 Novomer, Inc. Revêtements par extrusion de polycarbonates aliphatiques
US20140242402A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2014-08-28 Ezytube Pty Ltd Flexible composite material
US20140212549A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Fresh Origins, LLC Extended shelf life microgreen products and methods
CN108910309A (zh) * 2018-07-15 2018-11-30 福州市晋安区明灯工业设计有限公司 一种纺织布料存储装置
WO2020150655A1 (fr) * 2019-01-17 2020-07-23 Ifood Holdings, Inc. Conception de carton ondulé à haute résistance et couvercle pour emballage sous atmosphère modifiée de produits frais et de fleurs fraîches

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US6812314B2 (en) * 2001-10-17 2004-11-02 University Of Florida Thermally responsive polymer materials and uses thereof

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US6050412A (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-04-18 The Sunblush Technologies Corporation Method and apparatus for packaging and shipping horticultural products including cut flowers
US6812314B2 (en) * 2001-10-17 2004-11-02 University Of Florida Thermally responsive polymer materials and uses thereof

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