WO2012156685A2 - Packaging inclusion for controlling or modifying the atmosphere in packaging - Google Patents
Packaging inclusion for controlling or modifying the atmosphere in packaging Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012156685A2 WO2012156685A2 PCT/GB2012/050981 GB2012050981W WO2012156685A2 WO 2012156685 A2 WO2012156685 A2 WO 2012156685A2 GB 2012050981 W GB2012050981 W GB 2012050981W WO 2012156685 A2 WO2012156685 A2 WO 2012156685A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- water vapour
- active packaging
- carbon dioxide
- weight
- inclusion according
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title abstract description 27
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 72
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 66
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- MSLRPWGRFCKNIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-J tetrasodium;hydrogen peroxide;dicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[Na+].OO.OO.OO.[O-]C([O-])=O.[O-]C([O-])=O MSLRPWGRFCKNIZ-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 38
- FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium chloride Chemical compound [Na+].[Cl-] FAPWRFPIFSIZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 30
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 24
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000009456 active packaging Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229910021536 Zeolite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 17
- HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 17
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910000281 calcium bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 13
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims 4
- YZCKVEUIGOORGS-OUBTZVSYSA-N Deuterium Chemical compound [2H] YZCKVEUIGOORGS-OUBTZVSYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- YZCKVEUIGOORGS-IGMARMGPSA-N Protium Chemical compound [1H] YZCKVEUIGOORGS-IGMARMGPSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004320 controlled atmosphere Methods 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000036571 hydration Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000006703 hydration reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000021485 packed food Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 36
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910000278 bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000000440 bentonite Substances 0.000 description 6
- SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N bentoquatam Chemical compound O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009448 modified atmosphere packaging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920006280 packaging film Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000012785 packaging film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009516 primary packaging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000241 respiratory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920008790 Amorphous Polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004775 Tyvek Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000690 Tyvek Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000323 aluminium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001450 anions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009470 controlled atmosphere packaging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003795 desorption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013410 fast food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021022 fresh fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- ZZUFCTLCJUWOSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N furosemide Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(S(=O)(=O)N)=CC(C(O)=O)=C1NCC1=CC=CO1 ZZUFCTLCJUWOSV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002045 lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- XONPDZSGENTBNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N molecular hydrogen;sodium Chemical compound [Na].[H][H] XONPDZSGENTBNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013348 organic food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012466 permeate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000825 pharmaceutical preparation Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940127557 pharmaceutical product Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019505 tobacco product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/3409—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
- A23L3/34095—Details of apparatus for generating or regenerating gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/3409—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
- A23L3/3418—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
- A23L3/3427—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O in which an absorbent is placed or used
-
- 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
- B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
-
- 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
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/34—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
-
- 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
- B32B3/02—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 features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
- B32B3/04—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 features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by at least one layer folded at the edge, e.g. over another layer ; characterised by at least one layer enveloping or enclosing a 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
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
-
- 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
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/266—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants
- B65D81/268—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants the absorber being enclosed in a small pack, e.g. bag, included in the package
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
- C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
- C01B13/0203—Preparation of oxygen from inorganic compounds
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
- C01B13/02—Preparation of oxygen
- C01B13/0203—Preparation of oxygen from inorganic compounds
- C01B13/0211—Peroxy 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
- B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
- B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
- B32B2262/0253—Polyolefin fibres
-
- 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
- B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
- B32B2305/10—Fibres of continuous length
- B32B2305/20—Fibres of continuous length in the form of a non-woven mat
-
- 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
-
- 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
- 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
- B32B2307/7246—Water vapor barrier
-
- 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
- B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
- B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
-
- 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
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
-
- 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
- B32B2377/00—Polyamides
-
- 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
- B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
-
- 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
- B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
- B32B2439/70—Food packaging
Definitions
- the invention relates to a combined oxygen generating and carbon dioxide absorbing or generating packaging inclusion, in the form of a gas permeable envelope, containing a water vapour activated mixture.
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging includes: - a hermetic pack closure, gas permeable packaging materials with gas transmission rates, which, in concert with the respiratory activity of the product, will allow a pack atmosphere of a predetermined composition to be established, known as an Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere (EMA), usually within the range 5% -10% 0 2 , 5% -10% C0 2 and 80% - 90% N 2 , assisted on occasion by the option of partial replacement, at the time of packing, of the ambient atmosphere within the pack, by a pack atmosphere with a composition approaching, or matching, that of the intended EMA.
- EMA Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere
- This technology relies on micro-perforated (50 ⁇ -100 ⁇ diameter) films and is mainly employed in horizontal or vertical, form, fill and seal pouches, in which there is generally a large surface area to product mass ratio.
- Controlled Atmosphere Packaging uses: - a hermetic closure, gas impermeable/barrier packaging materials, the complete replacement, at the time of packing, of the ambient atmosphere within the pack by a pack atmosphere of a predetermined gas composition, which is not intentionally allowed to be modified by the respiratory activity of the packed product, and the support of the pre-determined pack atmosphere by the employment of active packaging in the form of O 2 generator/CC> 2 absorber, or generator inclusions.
- GB 2 450 860 describes a system of this type. In the system, according to GB 2 450 860, a packaging inclusion is in the form of a sachet containing a formulation with the main active ingredient being sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate.
- This compound generates oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour.
- a number of powder materials including the sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate, anhydrous sodium chloride and zeolite or Bentonite clay are mixed and enclosed in a permeable envelope.
- the effective operating life of such a packaging inclusion is suitable for short periods, for example when used with highly perishable foodstuffs, such as soft fruit, it has not proved suitable for deployment over longer periods, particularly in combination with the requirement that the sachet is small and discreet. There remains a need for an improved device, which can operate for longer periods without being too large.
- GB 2 450 860 A further issue with the arrangement of GB 2 450 860 is that the sachet described in that document cannot be allowed to come into contact with water in liquid form. Water in liquid form can often be present in packaging, for example 'drip-loss' or severe condensation if the packaging is rapidly cooled.
- a packaging device comprising: an envelope, impermeable to liquid water and permeable to water vapour and gases; a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; and wherein the envelope is of a laminate material which comprises a permeable support layer and a control layer of polyamide or polyethylene having a thickness of 10 ⁇ to 20 ⁇ .
- control layer should have sufficient gas permeability and allow water vapour to permeate without allowing liquid water to pass.
- the operational life of the packaging device in use may be extended.
- the control layer may have a water vapour transmission rate of 10g to 200g/m 2 in 24 hours at 1 bar and 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transfer rate in the range 650cm 3 -20,000cm 3 /m 2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C.
- the water vapour transmission rate and oxygen transfer rate may be selected by choosing a suitable thickness of the control layer. Thicker layers of polyamide or polyethylene give reduced transfer rates.
- the fill material may comprise an active ingredient that generates oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour; and a water vapour control that absorbs water vapour in order to regulate the reaction of the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount from 25% to 65%, and the water vapour control is present in an amount from 25% to 65%.
- control layer with the additional control over the water vapour transmission rates, effectively supplements the water vapour control function of the fill material formulation, thus allowing, in some applications, the percentage composition of those component compounds exercising this function to be reduced.
- the major consequence of this is the ability to reduce the size of the active pack inclusions.
- the permeable support layer is a non-woven polyethylene fabric.
- the density may be 45 g/m 2 -55g/m 2 .
- a polyurethane adhesive may be used to bond the layers of the laminate together.
- a packaging device comprising: an envelope, impermeable to liquid water and permeable to gas; a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; and wherein the envelope is of a laminate material comprising a permeable support layer and a control layer, the control layer having a water vapour transmission rate of 10g to 200g/m 2 in 24 hours at 1 bar and 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transmission rate in the range 650cm 3 -20,000cm 3 /m 2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C
- a packaging device comprising: an envelope, impermeable to liquid water and permeable to gas; a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; wherein the fill material comprises: an active ingredient that generates oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour; and a water vapour control that absorbs water vapour to regulate the reaction of the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount from 25% to 65%, and the water vapour control is present in an amount from 25% to 65%.
- FIG. 1 Further aspects of the invention relate to packaging which contains the packaging device.
- An embodiment of the invention is a device having an envelope fabricated from a composite material, impermeable to liquid water, but permeable to water vapour and gases and containing a formulation, including sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which is capable, on hydration, of both generating oxygen and subsequently absorbing carbon dioxide, being designed to maintain a predetermined percentage composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide in both modified atmosphere (MA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) packed foods and related products, by actively compensating for changes within the pack atmosphere.
- MA modified atmosphere
- CA controlled atmosphere
- This device has been designed as an active inclusion, for use within both MA and CA retail packaging, in order to establish and maintain a stable, predetermined percentage composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide within a pack atmosphere, which will allow a quality maintained, extended shelf life of the packed product.
- a further goal is to allow the device to operate within the presence of free aqueous liquids in the packaging, if present. Some foodstuffs and other materials can give rise to 'drip-loss' or condensation in the packaging.
- the device envelope 10 of the embodiment contains a fill material 18 formulation of a mixture of four or five compounds.
- the formulation of the fill material of the device in terms of the percentage composition of the constituent compounds, is designed to effect the pack atmosphere control required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product. Specific formulations are described below.
- the mass of the fill material formulation of the device is designed to effect the shelf life required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product.
- the envelope of the device is required to be impermeable to liquid water but to have both a suitable water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) and a high oxygen transmission rate (OTR).
- WVTR water vapour transmission rate
- OTR high oxygen transmission rate
- the material, from which the envelope is fabricated is a bi-laminate with an inner polymer film layer supported by an outer layer of a dense, non-woven polymer fabric.
- the envelope 10 of the device is of a laminate material comprising a porous support layer 12 and a water impermeable layer 14, the water control layer having a water transfer rate of 10g to 200g/m 2 in 24 hours at 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transfer rate in the range 650cm 3 -20,000cm 3 /m 2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C.
- the water vapour transmission rate may be measured by employing a commercially available water permeation analyser such as the MOCON PERMATRAN-W Model 3/33, which is designed to test this property of packaging films and has integral automatic relative humidity generation.
- the machine measures according to the ASTM standard F - 1249.
- the oxygen transmission rate may be measured by employing a commercially available oxygen transmission rate analyser, such as the MOCON OX-TRAN Model 1/50, which is designed to test this property of packaging films.
- the machine measures according to the ASTM standard F- 1927.
- the envelope is a bi-laminate material, consisting of an outer, permeable, printed, layer 12 of a non-woven, opaque 45 g/m 2 -55g/m 2 polyethylene fabric, bonded with a polyurethane adhesive to an inner, water impermeable layer 14 of either polyamide (PA) film, with a thickness of 10 ⁇ - 20 ⁇ or polyethylene (PE) film, with a thickness of 10 ⁇ - 20 ⁇ .
- PA polyamide
- PE polyethylene
- the polymer film layer is either polyamide (PA), with a thickness of 10 ⁇ - 20 ⁇ or polyethylene (PE), with a thickness of 10 ⁇ - 20 ⁇ or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known as polyester, with a thickness of 10 ⁇ - 20 ⁇ or polypropylene (PP) with a thickness of 10 ⁇ - 20 ⁇ .
- PA polyamide
- PE polyethylene
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- PP polypropylene
- the supporting layer is TYVEK; a permeable, non-woven polyethylene fabric, which in this case will have a density of 45g/sm - 55g/sm. This material is not an effective barrier to water vapour, oxygen or carbon dioxide.
- the inner and outer layers are bonded together with a polyurethane adhesive, or a material of equivalent properties and performance, the composition and thickness of which will have a negligible effect on either the WVTR or OTR of the inner layer or the laminate in general.
- the envelope material is fabricated into a sachet 20, which allows the inward passage of water vapour, the outward passage of oxygen and the inward or outward passage of carbon dioxide; the latter two gases at both a relatively high rate and high pressure.
- the device can be manufactured using existing vertical, or horizontal, form, fill and seal technology, where the seals themselves can be heat bonded or dielectrically or ultrasonically welded.
- the device In this format, the device is intended to be placed, generally unsecured, within the primary packaging of the packed product.
- the envelope material is thermoformed in a shallow concave, rectangular, or discoid chamber, into which the fill material is deposited. It is then lidded with a gas impermeable membrane of APET, or a material of equivalent properties and performance, and sealed by heat bonding or dielectric, or ultrasonic welded.
- the device can be manufactured using modified, horizontal tray forming and lidding technology.
- the device is intended to be placed and secured, in a pre-determined position, on the inner surface of the primary packaging of the packed product.
- the size and thus the exposed surface area of either of the formats of the device is designed to effect the pack atmosphere control required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product.
- the device can be readily manufactured in a range of sizes
- the size and thus the exposed surface area of either of the formats of the device is designed to effect the shelf life required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product.
- the device is designed for deployment within the packaging of product, such as a food product or a related product, in which there is free water present and where the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of the pack atmosphere is required to be maintained at predetermined levels.
- the device is designed to perform effectively when subject to intermittent contact with or occasional immersion by free water.
- the criteria, which this device aims at are:- to be discrete and unobtrusive within the retail pack, to fully retain the fill material and any reaction products, to allow high levels of gas transmission, to allow high levels of water vapour transmission, to be impervious to water in its liquid form, to provide an opaque outer surface which will allow print of high definition, to meet all current 'materials in contact with food' regulations.
- the inventor has now realised that the composition of the atmosphere that works most effectively depend on the pack contents. Some products, for example, have longer shelf lives in the presence of controlled amounts of carbon dioxide and some have longer shelf lives when the presence of carbon dioxide is minimised.
- the fill material is a mixture composed of the following: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, in the form of medium fine granules calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, in the form of a fine powder.
- the fill material is a mixture composed of the following: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, in the form of medium fine granules, calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, in the form of a fine powder.
- sodium chloride in the form of a fine, crystalline powder sodium hydrogen carbonate, in the form of a fine powder citric acid, in the form of a fine powder (or another, relatively low molecular weight organic food acid with equivalent properties and performance)
- the formulation of the fill material in terms of the percentage composition of the constituent compounds, is designed to effect the pack atmosphere control desired and is thus specific to the product packed and will vary from product to product.
- the following compounds, where included in the formulation are activated by contact with water, in the form of water vapour, which is present in the pack atmosphere, namely: sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate with citric acid.
- the oxygen generating reaction formulae are as follows: -
- sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate constitutes an oxygen generating formulation.
- the carbon dioxide absorbing reaction is as follows: -
- sodium carbonate constitutes a carbon dioxide absorbing formulation since it absorbs carbon dioxide on activation by water.
- the carbon dioxide generating reaction is as follows: -
- a combination of sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid constitutes a carbon dioxide generating formulation.
- the fill material proposed in the present invention includes a relatively smaller amount of Bentonite clay (or zeolite) and sodium chloride to restrict the availability of water vapour to active components, reduce the rate of reaction and hence extend the lifetime.
- the availability of water is regulated by both the selection of the gauge and material of the polymer control layer of the sachet and the predetermined percentage composition of both the sodium chloride component and the calcium Bentonite clay component (or alternatively a zeolite), which are strongly hydroscopic and absorb water vapour from the pack atmosphere much more readily than does either the sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid, effectively restricting the amount of water, in the form water vapour, available to the latter compounds.
- Bentonite clay, zeolite and/or sodium chloride constitutes a control formulation.
- the calcium Bentonite clay component (or alternatively a zeolite), as a finely particulate material, has a very large capacity to absorb water, as water vapour, from the atmosphere.
- Bentonite clays and zeolites are aluminosilicates of alkali metals. They have three dimensional crystalline frameworks of tetrahedral silica or alumina anions strongly bonded at all corners. These structures contain -Si-O-AI- linkages that form surface pores of uniform diameter and enclose regular internal cavities and channels of discrete sizes and shapes, depending on the chemical composition and crystal structure structures of the specific zeolite involved. The pore sizes range from 2.0 to 4.3 Angstroms and the enclosed cavities both the mineral cations and water molecules, the latter being capable of desorption as well as adsorption.
- a particular set of percentages of the fill composition, where significant levels of carbon dioxide in the pack atmosphere are not required, for extended life are: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 30% to 50%, preferably 35% to 45% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, 20% to 50 %, preferably 30% to 45% sodium chloride, 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 20% sodium carbonate 2% to 10%, preferably 3% to 8%
- sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 40 50% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, sodium chloride, 15.0% sodium carbonate 5.0%
- Suitable percentages of the fill composition where significant levels of carbon dioxide in the pack atmosphere are not required, for extended life are: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 25% to 50%, preferably 30% to 40% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite 20% to 50 %, preferably 30% to 45% sodium chloride 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 20% sodium hydrogen carbonate 2% to 10%, preferably 3% to 8% citric acid 1 % to 6%, preferably 2% to 5%.
- the following percentages may be used: sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 36.0% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite 39.0% sodium chloride 15.0% sodium hydrogen carbonate 6.5% citric acid 3.5%.
- GB 2 450 860 proposed up to 16% Bentonite clay, for example. The amount of Bentonite clay in these formulations for long lifetime is greater.
- the mass of a fill material formulation is also determined by the particular demands placed on the pack atmosphere by the packed product concerned and the requirements it imposes on the former in order to maintain the predetermined, optimum gas composition for the shelf life desired.
- Embodiments of the invention incorporate the device into packaging containing product.
- the packaging may be used to contain various perishable products, such as fresh fruit and vegetables.
- the retail life of longer lasting plant and animal based products and derived products of similar nature may also be extended to, for example, 'ready to eat' and 'ready to cook' recipe dishes, smoked or smokeless tobacco products, pharmaceutical products, specialised chemical products, natural remedies and the like.
- packages containing active packaging inclusions as described can both maintain elevated levels of oxygen and control carbon dioxide levels in the pack atmosphere for as much as twenty five weeks.
- the use of a water vapour transmission control layer of polyamide greatly extends the retail life when compared with packages containing active packaging inclusions where such a polymer is not present.
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Abstract
A device, comprising packaging in the form of an envelope, fabricated from a composite material, impermeable to liquid water, but permeable to water vapour and gases and containing a formulation, including sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which is capable, on hydration, of both generating oxygen and subsequently absorbing carbon dioxide, being designed to maintain a predetermined percentage composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide in both modified atmosphere (MA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) packed foods and related products, by actively compensating for changes within the pack atmosphere.
Description
PACKAGING INCLUSION FOR CONTROLLING OR MODIFYING THE
ATMOSPHERE IN PACKAGING
Field of the Invention The invention relates to a combined oxygen generating and carbon dioxide absorbing or generating packaging inclusion, in the form of a gas permeable envelope, containing a water vapour activated mixture.
Description of the Related Art
The of rapid expansion of retail convenience foods into a wide array of 'ready to eat' and 'ready to cook' fresh and thus relatively short shelf life products represents a still rapidly growing market, representing a range of packaging formats.
The majority of these packaging formats, however, rely on either modified atmosphere (MA), or to a lesser, but growing extent, controlled atmosphere (CA) packaging systems.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) includes: - a hermetic pack closure, gas permeable packaging materials with gas transmission rates, which, in concert with the respiratory activity of the product, will allow a pack atmosphere of a predetermined composition to be established, known as an Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere (EMA), usually within the range 5% -10% 02, 5% -10% C02 and 80% - 90% N2, assisted on occasion by the option of partial replacement, at the time of packing, of the ambient atmosphere within the pack, by a pack atmosphere with a composition approaching, or matching, that of the intended EMA.
This technology relies on micro-perforated (50μηι-100μΓη diameter) films and is mainly employed in horizontal or vertical, form, fill and seal pouches, in which there is generally a large surface area to product mass ratio.
If the product is packed in a heat-sealed tray, only the lidding film is effectively available for gas transmission, providing a very poor surface area to product mass ratio. MAP, unsupported by an active pack inclusion, is unlikely to be able to achieve or maintain an EMA throughout an extended shelf life.
It is, however, possible to employ active packaging in the form of O2 generator/C02 absorber, or generator, inclusions. These will be able to prevent anaerobiosis, but due to the gas permeability of the packaging, can not be guaranteed to precisely maintain a target EMA.
Controlled Atmosphere Packaging (CAP) on the other hand, uses: - a hermetic closure, gas impermeable/barrier packaging materials, the complete replacement, at the time of packing, of the ambient atmosphere within the pack by a pack atmosphere of a predetermined gas composition, which is not intentionally allowed to be modified by the respiratory activity of the packed product, and the support of the pre-determined pack atmosphere by the employment of active packaging in the form of O2 generator/CC>2 absorber, or generator inclusions. GB 2 450 860 describes a system of this type. In the system, according to GB 2 450 860, a packaging inclusion is in the form of a sachet containing a formulation with the main active ingredient being sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate. This compound generates oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour. A number of powder materials, including the sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate, anhydrous sodium chloride and zeolite or Bentonite clay are mixed and enclosed in a permeable envelope.
However, although the effective operating life of such a packaging inclusion is suitable for short periods, for example when used with highly perishable foodstuffs, such as soft fruit, it has not proved suitable for deployment over longer periods, particularly in combination with the requirement that the sachet is small and discreet. There remains a need for an improved device, which can operate for longer periods without being too large.
A further issue with the arrangement of GB 2 450 860 is that the sachet described in that document cannot be allowed to come into contact with water in liquid form. Water in liquid form can often be present in packaging, for example 'drip-loss' or severe condensation if the packaging is rapidly cooled.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention there is provided a packaging device, comprising: an envelope, impermeable to liquid water and permeable to water vapour and gases; a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; and wherein the envelope is of a laminate material which comprises a permeable support layer and a control layer of polyamide or polyethylene having a thickness of 10μηη to 20μηι.
The inventors have realised that the control layer should have sufficient gas permeability and allow water vapour to permeate without allowing liquid water to pass. By limiting the water vapour transmission rate and oxygen transmission rate, the operational life of the packaging device in use may be extended.
The control layer may have a water vapour transmission rate of 10g to 200g/m2 in 24 hours at 1 bar and 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transfer rate in the range 650cm3-20,000cm3/m2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C.
The water vapour transmission rate and oxygen transfer rate may be selected by choosing a suitable thickness of the control layer. Thicker layers of polyamide or polyethylene give reduced transfer rates.
Significant improvements in the operational life of the product may be achieved by introducing the control layer with controlled water vapour transmission rate and oxygen transfer rate. The inventor has, however, additionally discovered that further benefits may be obtained by selectively modifying the relative composition of the mixture of compounds comprising the fill material. The fill material may comprise an active ingredient that generates oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour; and a water vapour control that absorbs water vapour in order to regulate the reaction of the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount from 25% to 65%, and the water vapour control is present in an amount from 25% to 65%.
The introduction of the control layer, with the additional control over the water vapour transmission rates, effectively supplements the water vapour control function of the fill material formulation, thus allowing, in some applications, the percentage composition of those component compounds exercising this function to be reduced. The major consequence of this is the ability to reduce the size of the active pack inclusions.
In a preferred embodiment, the permeable support layer is a non-woven polyethylene fabric. The density may be 45 g/m2-55g/m2.
A polyurethane adhesive may be used to bond the layers of the laminate together.
In another aspect of the invention there is provided a packaging device, comprising: an envelope, impermeable to liquid water and permeable to gas; a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; and wherein the envelope is of a laminate material comprising a permeable support layer and a control layer, the control layer having a water vapour transmission rate of 10g to
200g/m2 in 24 hours at 1 bar and 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transmission rate in the range 650cm3-20,000cm3/m2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a packaging device, comprising: an envelope, impermeable to liquid water and permeable to gas; a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide; wherein the fill material comprises: an active ingredient that generates oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour; and a water vapour control that absorbs water vapour to regulate the reaction of the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount from 25% to 65%, and the water vapour control is present in an amount from 25% to 65%.
Further aspects of the invention relate to packaging which contains the packaging device.
Detailed Description
An embodiment of the invention is a device having an envelope fabricated from a composite material, impermeable to liquid water, but permeable to water vapour and gases and containing a formulation, including sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which is capable, on hydration, of both generating oxygen and subsequently absorbing carbon dioxide, being designed to maintain a predetermined percentage composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide in both modified atmosphere (MA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) packed foods and related products, by actively compensating for changes within the pack atmosphere.
This device has been designed as an active inclusion, for use within both MA and CA retail packaging, in order to establish and maintain a stable, predetermined percentage composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide within a pack atmosphere, which will allow a quality maintained, extended shelf life of the packed product. A further goal is to allow the device to operate within the presence of free aqueous liquids in the packaging, if present. Some foodstuffs and other materials can give rise to 'drip-loss' or condensation in the packaging.
The device envelope 10 of the embodiment contains a fill material 18 formulation of a mixture of four or five compounds. The formulation of the fill material of the device, in terms of the percentage composition of the constituent compounds, is designed to effect the pack atmosphere control required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product. Specific formulations are described below.
The mass of the fill material formulation of the device, is designed to effect the shelf life required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product.
In order to allow the fill material formulations to perform optimally, the envelope of the device is required to be impermeable to liquid water but to have both a suitable water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) and a high oxygen transmission rate (OTR).
To achieve this, the material, from which the envelope is fabricated, is a bi-laminate with an inner polymer film layer supported by an outer layer of a dense, non-woven polymer fabric.
In order to retain fully the fill material formulation selected, both dry and hydrated, when in contact with food and in the presence of free liquid water, the envelope 10 of the device is of a laminate material comprising a porous support layer 12 and a water impermeable layer 14, the water control layer having a water transfer rate of 10g to 200g/m2 in 24 hours at 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transfer rate in the range 650cm3-20,000cm3/m2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C.
The water vapour transmission rate may be measured by employing a commercially available water permeation analyser such as the MOCON PERMATRAN-W Model 3/33, which is designed to test this property of packaging films and has integral automatic relative humidity generation. The machine measures according to the ASTM standard F - 1249.
The oxygen transmission rate may be measured by employing a commercially available oxygen transmission rate analyser, such as the MOCON OX-TRAN Model 1/50, which is designed to test this property of packaging films. The machine measures according to the ASTM standard F- 1927. In a particular embodiment, the envelope is a bi-laminate material, consisting of an outer, permeable, printed, layer 12 of a non-woven, opaque 45 g/m2 -55g/m2 polyethylene fabric, bonded with a polyurethane adhesive to an inner, water impermeable layer 14 of either polyamide (PA) film, with a thickness of 10μ - 20μ or polyethylene (PE) film, with a thickness of 10μ - 20μ. The polymer film layer, depending on the water vapour and gas transmission requirements demanded by the activity of the packed product, is either polyamide (PA), with a thickness of 10μηη - 20μηη or polyethylene (PE), with a thickness of 10μηη - 20μηη or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known as polyester, with a thickness of 10μηη - 20μηη or polypropylene (PP) with a thickness of 10μηη - 20μηη. For many applications, PA is preferred.
The supporting layer is TYVEK; a permeable, non-woven polyethylene fabric, which in this case will have a density of 45g/sm - 55g/sm. This material is not an effective barrier to water vapour, oxygen or carbon dioxide.
The inner and outer layers are bonded together with a polyurethane adhesive, or a material of equivalent properties and performance, the composition and thickness of which will have a negligible effect on either the WVTR or OTR of the inner layer or the laminate in general.
In the simplest construction of the device, the envelope material is fabricated into a sachet 20, which allows the inward passage of water vapour, the outward passage of oxygen and the inward or outward passage of carbon dioxide; the latter two gases at both a relatively high rate and high pressure. In this format, the device can be manufactured using existing vertical, or horizontal, form, fill and seal technology, where the seals themselves can be heat bonded or dielectrically or ultrasonically welded.
In this format, the device is intended to be placed, generally unsecured, within the primary packaging of the packed product. In an alternative construction of the device, the envelope material is thermoformed in a shallow concave, rectangular, or discoid chamber, into which the fill material is deposited. It is then lidded with a gas impermeable membrane of APET, or a material of equivalent properties and performance, and sealed by heat bonding or dielectric, or ultrasonic welded. In this format, the device can be manufactured using modified, horizontal tray forming and lidding technology.
In this format, the device is intended to be placed and secured, in a pre-determined position, on the inner surface of the primary packaging of the packed product.
The size and thus the exposed surface area of either of the formats of the device is designed to effect the pack atmosphere control required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product.
In either of the above formats, the device can be readily manufactured in a range of sizes
The size and thus the exposed surface area of either of the formats of the device is designed to effect the shelf life required and is thus specific to the product packed and will therefore vary from product to product.
The device is designed for deployment within the packaging of product, such as a food product or a related product, in which there is free water present and where the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of the pack atmosphere is required to be maintained at predetermined levels. The device is designed to perform effectively when subject to intermittent contact with or occasional immersion by free water.
The criteria, which this device aims at are:- to be discrete and unobtrusive within the retail pack, to fully retain the fill material and any reaction products, to allow high levels of gas transmission, to allow high levels of water vapour transmission, to be impervious to water in its liquid form, to provide an opaque outer surface which will allow print of high definition, to meet all current 'materials in contact with food' regulations. The inventor has now realised that the composition of the atmosphere that works most effectively depend on the pack contents. Some products, for example, have longer shelf lives in the presence of controlled amounts of carbon dioxide and some have longer shelf lives when the presence of carbon dioxide is minimised.
To address these needs, alternative formulations of fill material may be used. In the device, where a level of carbon dioxide absorption is required, the fill material is a mixture composed of the following: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, in the form of medium fine granules calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, in the form of a fine powder.
sodium carbonate in the form of medium fine granules sodium chloride, as a fine crystalline powder
In the device, where a level of carbon dioxide generation is required, the fill material is a mixture composed of the following: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, in the form of medium fine granules, calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, in the form of a fine powder. sodium chloride, in the form of a fine, crystalline powder sodium hydrogen carbonate, in the form of a fine powder citric acid, in the form of a fine powder (or another, relatively low molecular weight organic food acid with equivalent properties and performance)
The formulation of the fill material, in terms of the percentage composition of the constituent compounds, is designed to effect the pack atmosphere control desired and is thus specific to the product packed and will vary from product to product.
In deployment, the following compounds, where included in the formulation, are activated by contact with water, in the form of water vapour, which is present in the pack atmosphere, namely: sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate with citric acid.
The oxygen generating reaction formulae are as follows: -
H20
Na2C03.3/2H20 Na2C03 + 3/2H202 -> Na2C03 + 3/2H20 + 3/402 sodium carbonate
peroxyhydrate
Thus, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate constitutes an oxygen generating formulation. The carbon dioxide absorbing reaction is as follows: -
Na2C03 + C02 + H20 2NaHC03
sodium carbonate
Thus, sodium carbonate constitutes a carbon dioxide absorbing formulation since it absorbs carbon dioxide on activation by water. The carbon dioxide generating reaction is as follows: -
3NaHC03 + C6H807 C6H507Na3 + 3H20 + 3C02
sodium hydrogen citric
carbonate acid
Thus, a combination of sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid constitutes a carbon dioxide generating formulation.
Compared with the formulations proposed in GB 2 450 860 the fill material proposed in the present invention includes a relatively smaller amount of Bentonite clay (or zeolite) and sodium chloride to restrict the availability of water vapour to active components, reduce the rate of reaction and hence extend the lifetime. In order to control the rates of reactions and allow them to continue over a predetermined, extended period, the availability of water is regulated by both the selection of the gauge and material of the polymer control layer of the sachet and the predetermined percentage composition of both the sodium chloride component and the calcium Bentonite clay component (or alternatively a zeolite), which are strongly hydroscopic and absorb water vapour from the pack atmosphere much more readily than does either the sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid, effectively restricting the amount of water, in the form water vapour, available to the latter compounds.
Thus, the combination of Bentonite clay, zeolite and/or sodium chloride constitutes a control formulation.
The calcium Bentonite clay component (or alternatively a zeolite), as a finely particulate material, has a very large capacity to absorb water, as water vapour, from the atmosphere.
Bentonite clays and zeolites are aluminosilicates of alkali metals. They have three dimensional crystalline frameworks of tetrahedral silica or alumina anions strongly bonded at all corners. These structures contain -Si-O-AI- linkages that form surface pores of uniform diameter and enclose regular internal cavities and channels of discrete sizes and shapes, depending on the chemical composition and crystal structure structures of the specific zeolite involved. The pore sizes range from 2.0 to 4.3 Angstroms and the enclosed cavities both the mineral cations and water molecules, the latter being capable of desorption as well as adsorption.
A particular set of percentages of the fill composition, where significant levels of carbon dioxide in the pack atmosphere are not required, for extended life are: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 30% to 50%, preferably 35% to 45% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, 20% to 50 %, preferably 30% to 45% sodium chloride, 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 20% sodium carbonate 2% to 10%, preferably 3% to 8%
In a particular embodiment, the following percentages may be used: sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 40.0% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite, sodium chloride, 15.0%
sodium carbonate 5.0%
Suitable percentages of the fill composition where significant levels of carbon dioxide in the pack atmosphere are not required, for extended life are: - sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 25% to 50%, preferably 30% to 40% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite 20% to 50 %, preferably 30% to 45% sodium chloride 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 20% sodium hydrogen carbonate 2% to 10%, preferably 3% to 8% citric acid 1 % to 6%, preferably 2% to 5%.
In a particular embodiment, the following percentages may be used: sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate 36.0% calcium Bentonite clay, or alternatively a zeolite 39.0% sodium chloride 15.0% sodium hydrogen carbonate 6.5% citric acid 3.5%. Note in particular that GB 2 450 860 proposed up to 16% Bentonite clay, for example. The amount of Bentonite clay in these formulations for long lifetime is greater.
Apart from the composition, the mass of a fill material formulation is also determined by the particular demands placed on the pack atmosphere by the packed product concerned and the requirements it imposes on the former in order to maintain the predetermined, optimum gas composition for the shelf life desired.
The dimensions of a sachet and thus surface area will reflect both the mass and formulation of the fill material required to effect the pack atmosphere control desired but,
even when hydrated, it is anticipated that it will form a relatively discrete an unobtrusive packaging inclusion.
Embodiments of the invention incorporate the device into packaging containing product. The packaging may be used to contain various perishable products, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. The retail life of longer lasting plant and animal based products and derived products of similar nature may also be extended to, for example, 'ready to eat' and 'ready to cook' recipe dishes, smoked or smokeless tobacco products, pharmaceutical products, specialised chemical products, natural remedies and the like.
Experiments have shown that packages containing active packaging inclusions as described can both maintain elevated levels of oxygen and control carbon dioxide levels in the pack atmosphere for as much as twenty five weeks. In particular, the use of a water vapour transmission control layer of polyamide greatly extends the retail life when compared with packages containing active packaging inclusions where such a polymer is not present.
Claims
1. An active packaging inclusion, comprising an envelope, a fill material contained in the envelope, which is activated by water vapour to generate oxygen and absorb or generate carbon dioxide; and wherein the envelope is impermeable to liquid water and permeable to water vapour and gases, and comprises a laminate material comprising a permeable support layer and a water vapour control layer, wherein the water vapour control layer is a polyamide or polyethylene film having a thickness of 10μηη to 20μηη.
2. An active packaging inclusion according to claim 1 , the water vapour control layer having a water vapour transmission rate of 10g to 200g/m2 in 24 hours at 23 °C and 85% relative humidity and an oxygen transmission rate in the range 650cm3- 20,000cm3/m2 in 24 hours at 1 bar at 23°C.
3. An active packaging inclusion according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the permeable support layer is an outer layer of non-woven, polyethylene fabric.
4. An active packaging inclusion according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the permeable support layer is an inner layer of non-woven, polyethylene fabric.
5. An active packaging inclusion according to claim 3 wherein the density of the non-woven, polyethylene fabric is 35 g/m2-65g/m2.
6. An active packaging inclusion according to any preceding claim wherein a polyurethane adhesive bonds the layers of the laminate material together.
7. An active packaging inclusion according to any preceding claim, wherein the fill material comprises: an active ingredient, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, that generates oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide when activated by water vapour; and water vapour control ingredients, calcium Bentonite clay (or zeolite) and sodium chloride, that absorb water vapour to regulate the reaction of the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount from 25% to 65%, and the water vapour control ingredients are present in an amount from 25% to 65%.
8 An active packaging inclusion according to claim 6, further comprising a carbon dioxide absorbing ingredient from 2% to 10%.
9. An active packaging inclusion according to any preceding claim wherein the fill material comprises:
30% to 60% by weight sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate; 20% to 50 % by weight calcium Bentonite clay or zeolite; 5% to 25% by weight sodium chloride, and 2% to 10% by weight sodium carbonate. 10 An active packaging inclusion according to claim 8 wherein the fill material comprises:
35% to 45% by weight sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, 30% to 45% by weight calcium Bentonite clay or a zeolite,
10% to 20% by weight sodium chloride, 3% to 8% by weight sodium carbonate.
1 1 . An active packaging fill material formulation according to claim 6, further comprising a carbon dioxide generating ingredient from 4% to 15% by weight.
12. An active packaging inclusion according to any of claims 1 to 6 or 10 wherein the fill material formulation comprises:
25% to 50% by weight sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate;
20 to 50 % by weight calcium Bentonite clay or zeolite; 5% to 25% by weight sodium chloride, and
2% to 10% by weight sodium hydrogen carbonate, and
1 % to 6% by weight citric acid.
13. An active packaging inclusion according claim 1 1 wherein the fill material formulation comprises:
30% to 40% by weight sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate; 30% to 45% by weight calcium Bentonite clay or zeolite;
10% to 20% by weight sodium chloride, and
3% to 8% by weight sodium hydrogen carbonate, and
2% to 5% by weight citric acid.
14. A package for perishable products requiring a predetermined pack atmosphere composition in relation to oxygen and carbon dioxide, comprising a gas and water vapour impermeable outer housing, and an active packaging inclusion according to any preceding claim.
15. A package for perishable products requiring a predetermined pack atmosphere composition in relation to oxygen and carbon dioxide, comprising a gas permeable outer housing, and an active packaging inclusion according to any of claims 1 to 12.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB1108336.7A GB201108336D0 (en) | 2011-05-18 | 2011-05-18 | Packaging inclusion for controlling or modifying the atmosphere in packaging |
GB1108336.7 | 2011-05-18 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012156685A2 true WO2012156685A2 (en) | 2012-11-22 |
WO2012156685A3 WO2012156685A3 (en) | 2013-03-07 |
Family
ID=44260730
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2012/050981 WO2012156685A2 (en) | 2011-05-18 | 2012-05-04 | Packaging inclusion for controlling or modifying the atmosphere in packaging |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (2) | GB201108336D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012156685A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015031827A1 (en) * | 2013-09-02 | 2015-03-05 | Moxiyo, LLC | Oxygen uptake compositions and preservation of oxygen perishable goods |
US10994914B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2021-05-04 | Coolsan Hygiene Solutions Pty Ltd | Storage product and method |
CN114617161A (en) * | 2022-04-01 | 2022-06-14 | 君合百安仓储科技(北京)有限公司 | Constant-pressure type air regulator |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2502057A (en) * | 2012-05-14 | 2013-11-20 | Emco Packaging Systems Ltd | Oxygen generating and carbon dioxide absorbing wound dressing |
Citations (1)
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GB2450860A (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2009-01-14 | Nigel John Brace Parker | An oxygen producing and carbon dioxide absorbing device for inclusion in food packages |
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GB2101870B (en) * | 1981-05-07 | 1985-07-10 | Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co | Oxygen absorbent packaging |
JPH02263645A (en) * | 1989-04-04 | 1990-10-26 | Nippon Kayaku Co Ltd | Package |
KR910002270B1 (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1991-04-11 | 두산농산 주식회사 | Method of removing gas from vessel |
CA2027534C (en) * | 1989-10-23 | 1999-10-12 | Yoshiaki Inoue | Inhibitor parcel and method for preserving electronic devices or electronic parts |
TW403720B (en) * | 1997-09-26 | 2000-09-01 | Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co | Oxygen generating agent, carbon dioxide gas absorbent, the transport system and the transport method of living fish |
EP1084066A4 (en) * | 1998-06-02 | 2002-09-25 | Sealed Air Nz Ltd | Carbon dioxide atmosphere modifiers for packaging |
JP2001354274A (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2001-12-25 | Idemitsu Petrochem Co Ltd | Moisture permeable and waterproof packaging material and package body |
AU2002244203A1 (en) * | 2001-03-02 | 2002-09-19 | The Procter And Gamble Company | Devices and methods for prolonging the storage life of produce |
US20040067182A1 (en) * | 2002-10-08 | 2004-04-08 | Kelly Robert Charles | Gas-release packet |
US7160939B2 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2007-01-09 | Finnegan Michael J | Active masterbatch for production of CO2 generating masterbatch |
GB2487711A (en) * | 2010-12-04 | 2012-08-08 | Nigel John Brace Parker | Atmosphere control pad for use in packaging |
-
2011
- 2011-05-18 GB GBGB1108336.7A patent/GB201108336D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2012
- 2012-05-04 WO PCT/GB2012/050981 patent/WO2012156685A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-05-04 GB GB1207858.0A patent/GB2491007B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2450860A (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2009-01-14 | Nigel John Brace Parker | An oxygen producing and carbon dioxide absorbing device for inclusion in food packages |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015031827A1 (en) * | 2013-09-02 | 2015-03-05 | Moxiyo, LLC | Oxygen uptake compositions and preservation of oxygen perishable goods |
US9326501B2 (en) | 2013-09-02 | 2016-05-03 | Jp Patents L.L.C. | Oxygen uptake compositions and preservation of oxygen perishable goods |
US9993800B2 (en) | 2013-09-02 | 2018-06-12 | Jp Patents L.L.C. | Oxygen uptake compositions and preservation of oxygen perishable goods |
US10994914B2 (en) | 2014-03-18 | 2021-05-04 | Coolsan Hygiene Solutions Pty Ltd | Storage product and method |
CN114617161A (en) * | 2022-04-01 | 2022-06-14 | 君合百安仓储科技(北京)有限公司 | Constant-pressure type air regulator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2491007A (en) | 2012-11-21 |
WO2012156685A3 (en) | 2013-03-07 |
GB2491007B (en) | 2013-08-21 |
GB201108336D0 (en) | 2011-06-29 |
GB201207858D0 (en) | 2012-06-20 |
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