WO2013092081A1

WO2013092081A1 - Packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet

Info

Publication number: WO2013092081A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/073196
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Spatafora; Markus Zink
Original assignee: Unilever N.V.; Unilever Plc; Hindustan Unilever Limited; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2011-12-21
Filing date: 2012-11-21
Publication date: 2013-06-27
Also published as: PH12014501423A1; AR089347A1; BR112014015532A2; EP2794421A1; BR112014015532A8; EA201400723A1; MX2014007441A

Abstract

A packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet wherein the packaging comprises foldable material with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the packaging comprises a fin-seal (1) adhering two sides of the foldable material together at their respective inner surfaces, and two cross seals (2), the fin-seal and cross-seals being peelable, and wherein the fin-seal (1) is folded parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging which contains the base of the fin-seal (1), in this way forming an upper part and a lower part of the folded fin-seal, wherein at least the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal (1) protrudes from the folded fin seal (1) and extends beyond the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1), and wherein an opening lip (7) protrudes from the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1).

Description

Packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet

The present invention relates to a packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet. It further relates to a process to provide a packaging around a stock cube or stock tablet.

Introduction

Traditionally, a folded wrapper is in use to package stock cubes. A folded wrapper may comprise materials like paper, polyolefin and/or aluminium. Such a packaging can be arranged around the product by folding and is possibly fixed with for example glue or a seal to prevent unfolding and/or to provide tamper evidence. Especially stock cubes face several problems with a folded wrapper. Fat can exude through the slits in the packaging. This can result in fat staining of the surrounding of the stock cube, such as a cardboard box containing packaged cubes. A folded wrapper might not prevent organisms like e.g. insects from accessing the product. In addition, using a conventional folded wrapper, the properties of stock cubes tend to change during storage, e.g. the water content or the flavour content, depending on the storage environment. Further, a conventional folded wrapper often requires considerable overlap of folded flaps of packaging material to provide closure of the wrapper. Overlapping layers of material result in an increase of height of the packaged product and result in the use of high amounts of packaging material. In the case that opening of a fixed folded wrapper surrounding a stock cube is facilitated by a tear strip, opening results in destruction of the packaging. In case a consumer desires to use only part of the stock cube, such a wrapper cannot be reused to fold around the remaining part of the stock cube. Another type of packaging is a flow-wrap. The flow-wrapping process is conventionally used for products like dish-wash tablets, laundry tablets or confectionary products. In a flow- wrapping process, packaging material is provided in a continuous band, the product to be packaged is covered with an appropriate amount of the packaging material, followed by application of a longitudinal seal and two cross seals, normally applied by heat sealing, to fixate the packaging material around the product. After sealing, the packaged product is cut off from the continuous band of packaging material. A disadvantage of a flow-wrap is that the packaging normally has to be damaged, e.g. by tearing, to open the packaging. Tearing is sometimes facilitated by a tear-strip. Re-use of the packaging is not possible anymore when the packaging is damaged. Re-use of the packaging is often desired by consumers when the product is only partly used. To prevent tearing of the packaging, some traditional flow-wraps are closed by seals that rely on a sealing lacquer/ medium, which is applied in a specific pattern on the packaging material. However, sealing based on a patterned sealing lacquer, for example applied at the inner portion of foldable material, entails the risk that the packaging is not sufficiently closed after sealing in case of misalignment of the sealing area, and the packaged product might not be optimally protected. To decrease the risk of insufficient closure, and increase the production efficiency, seals based on sealing lacquer are often relatively broad, which is not desired in many cases. Broad seals may require more packaging material and result in an increase of volume, which is especially disadvantageous when more packaged products are packed together in a secondary packaging. Furthermore, seals based on a patterned sealing lacquer often do not result in a packaging which tightly fits around the product, especially when products do not have ribbons allowing for air escape during the wrapping process. Especially when it is desired that one or more packaged products are packed together in a secondary packaging, the air inclusion in the pack is preferably as low as possible, and the cross seals are preferably as small as possible.

WO2007/148165 discloses a packaging wrapper for a stock cube. The wrapper is folded around the product and should be opened by a tear-strip. EP1288139 discloses a packaging for chocolate bars. The seals are fixed with sealing lacquer or a glue.

DE4000857 discloses a packaging for packing chocolate bars or baking products. The fin seal of the packaging contains two cuts, in this way forming a functional tear strip.

WO2009/0077724 discloses a packaging for chocolate bars. The seals rely on a patterned sealing (frame shape) or welding.

JP48041674 discloses a packaging with a tear strip.

Above mentioned documents disclose packaging which show several disadvantages, as described above. The aim of the present invention is to provide a packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet, wherein the above mentioned problems are, at least partly, overcome. In particular the aim is to provide a packaging for a stock cube or stock tablet, which packaging allows relatively easy opening without the need to tear the packaging and which provides protection against access from water or organisms to the content of the packaging or against loss from the content of the packaging of (volatile) ingredients, such as for example water, flavour or fat. The packaging can be opened easily even when the content of the packaging is relatively small, such as the size of a stock tablet. Preferably, the packaging allows repackaging of any unused part of a product, by re-wrapping the packaging around the unused part of the product. Preferably, the packaging results in the volume of the packaged product being close to, preferably identical or even smaller than the volume of the packaged product when packaged with a conventional, folded wrapper or flow-wrap.

Preferably, the packaging requires less material then a conventional folded wrapper. A further aim of the present invention is to provide a process to produce such a packaging. The process preferably results in a packaged stock cube or stock tablet, wherein the packaging is arranged around the product as tight as possible.

Summary of the invention

Surprisingly, it was found that this could be achieved by a packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet wherein the packaging comprises foldable material with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the packaging comprises a fin-seal (1 ) adhering two sides of the foldable material together at their respective inner surfaces, and two cross seals (2), the fin- seal and cross-seals being peelable, and wherein the fin-seal (1 ) is folded parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging which contains the base of the fin-seal (1 ), in this way forming an upper part and a lower part of the folded fin-seal, wherein at least the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) protrudes from the folded fin seal (1 ) and extends beyond the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ), and wherein an opening lip (7) protrudes from the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ).

The invention further relates to a process to provide a packaging around a stock cube or stock tablet, the process comprising the steps of:

a) Providing a stock cube or stock tablet, or an ingredient mixture of a stock cube or stock tablet,

b) Forming foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet, or ingredient mixture of a stock cube or stock tablet, wherein two sides of the foldable material contact at their respective insides to form a fin, wherein one of said sides (4) extends beyond the other side (6), wherein an opening lip (7) protrudes from the end (5) of the non- extending side (6), c) In case in step a) an ingredient mixture is provided for a stock cube or stock tablet, shaping said ingredient mixture into a stock cube or stock tablet,

d) Sealing the fin resulting from step b) or c) to form a fin-seal (1 ), wherein at least the side (4) of the foldable material extending beyond the other side (6), protrudes from the fin-seal (1 ),

e) Folding the fin-seal (1 ) parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging containing the base of the fin seal (1 ), wherein the side (4) of the foldable material extending beyond the other side (6) abuts on the surface (3) of the packaging,

f) Cross-sealing the foldable material, to result in a packaged stock cube or stock tablet.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet. A typical, non-limiting representation has been given in Figure 1 . Preferably, the packaging according to the invention contains at least one stock cube or stock tablet. The term "stock cube" or "stock tablet" is known in the art, and refers to a type of product. In the context of the present invention it is not necessarily limited to and should not be construed as a product to prepare only a bouillon, or stock, but it might be suitable for preparing a bouillon, soup, sauce, gravy or for use as a seasoning. As such, the stock cube or tablet is usually diluted, at least partly, in a hot aqueous solution, like water, or the product is crumbled, at least partly over a dish during preparation, e.g. in a cooking pot, or before consumption, e.g. on the plate of the consumer.

"Cube" or "tablet" should not be construed as a perfect mathematical shape. The corners of the stock cube or stock tablet may be rounded off or the edges and/or sides may not run completely parallel. The stock cube or stock tablet is preferably one of a rectangular cuboid, a cube, a pillow and a lentil shape. The shape of the stock cube or stock tablet preferably is a rectangular prism, preferably a rectangular cuboid or a cube. A cube has 12 edges of equal length. Preferably, in the rectangular cuboid one or two dimensions (width, height) are shorter than the longest dimension (length). A rectangular prism or cube-shape provided optimal opening behaviour of the packaging. The packaging accordingly may have these preferred shapes. For optimal opening of the packaging, the length of the stock cube or stock tablet or the packaging, is preferably not too long, compared to the width, as this reduces the opening functionality of the packaging in the present invention. Therefore, preferably, the stock cube or stock tablet or the packaging has a length: width ratio of from 1 :1 to 2:1 , preferably of from 1 .1 :1 to 1.7:1 , most preferably of from 1.2:1 to 1.4:1. Length is here defined as the longest dimension (longest edge) of the stock cube or stock tablet or the packaging, respectively. Width is defined as the second longest dimension of the stock cube or stock tablet or the packaging. When defining length and width of the packaging, any additional length or width resulting from extending cross-seals or extending gusseted material is not taken into account, and the length and the width of the packaging will be almost equal to the length and width of the total packaged content. Height is defined as the shortest dimension of the stock cube or stock tablet or the packaging, respectively. In case of a cubical shape, length is defined as the dimension parallel to the fin-seal (length of the edge parallel to the fin seal), whereas the width is defined as the dimension perpendicular to the fin seal (length of the edge

perpendicular to the fin seal in the same plane as the fin seal). Preferably, the stock cube or stock tablet or the packaging has a length : height ratio of from 1 :1 to 8:1 , preferably of from 1 :1 to 1 : 5, more preferably of from 1 .5:1 to 4:1 , most preferably of from 2:1 to 3:1 , for optimal opening efficiency.

For optimal opening efficiency, the foldable material surrounds the stock cube or stock tablet as close as possible. In addition, the surface of the stock cube or stock tablet is preferably substantially level. In general however, level surfaces tend to hamper easy departure of air from the packaging during the packaging process. As the product is preferably level, no ribbons are desired, to allow easy departure of air, although a weakening line can be present on the stock cube or stock tablet to allow easy breakage of it. To facilitate optimal surrounding of the foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet, the stock cube or stock tablet is therefore preferably not too big. The stock cube or stock tablet preferably has a length of from 1 .4 cm to 8,5 cm, more preferably of from 2 cm to 4 cm. The width of the stock cube or stock tablet is preferably of from 1 .4 cm to 6 cm, more preferably of from 2 cm to 4 cm. The length multiplied by the width is preferably more than 390 mm² and preferably less than 2500 mm². The height of the stock cube or stock tablet is preferably at least 4 mm. For most effective gusseting, the height preferably is at least 7 mm. The height is preferably of from 0.7 cm to 1 .8 cm, more preferably of from 0.8 cm to 1 .4 cm. The height is preferably lower than 12 mm. A height which is too small, might result in products which easily break. Moreover, the minimum height allows optimal folding of the cross seals and optimal conducting of the preferred gusseting step. Preferably, the absolute dimensions as indicated in this paragraph are read in combination with the preferred length-height and length-width ratio's as described in the above. Preferably, the packaging according to the invention is made from a foldable material.

Suitable materials can be materials comprising paper, metal, polymer, metal-coated paper, metal-coated polymer and combinations thereof. Preferred polymers in this context are polymers of the group consisting of PP, PE, PET and combinations thereof. Preferably, the foldable material comprises a dead-fold material. Preferably, the packaging according to the invention is made of a foldable, dead-fold material. Dead-fold material is a term known in the art. It is used to indicate material which after folding does not spontaneously unfold. This material is also referred to in the art as material which has shape-memory. The use of a dead-fold material facilitates re-packaging of part of the stock cube or tablet, in a way that the folded material keeps the shape wherein it is folded, at least to a large extent. The person skilled in the art is aware what packaging materials show dead-fold properties. Re-packaging should be understood here that the packaging material can be wrapped or folded around at least part of the original content of the packaging. The packaging material around the repacked content is normally not closed entirely, but may be folded closely around its content, e.g. to keep the content together and protect it to some extent from direct contact with its surrounding. Preferably the foldable material comprises one of the group of materials consisting of aluminium, paper, aluminium-coated polyolefin, polyolefin and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the foldable material comprises aluminium. Preferably, the foldable material provides sufficient barrier against water vapour, oxygen, and therefore the foldable material is preferably a gas proof and water proof, more preferably a gas proof material.

Preferably, the foldable material is material which allows sealing by heat. The seals are peelable seals. Preferably, at least one of the cross-seals and fin seal is a heat seal. More preferably, all seals are heat seals. Peelable means that the sealed areas can be separated from each other by force, without damaging them. In this way a packaging results which can be opened without tearing it. Seals which are not peelable, such as for example as resulting from welding two surfaces to result in fusion of the two sealant members to a true fusion weld, are not desired. It is in the skill of the artisan to apply the combination of heat, pressure and dwell time to carry out heat sealing. The foldable material preferably comprises a heat- sealable layer. The heat-sealable layer preferably comprises a heat-seal lacquer or a heat- sealable surface coating, or a layer comprising polyolefin. The heat-sealable layer is preferably equally applied over the surface of the foldable material. The functionality of the sealing step and the opening principle according to the present invention does not rely on a frame shaped or patterned sealing portion, which means that there is no technical necessity of a frame shaped or patterned sealing portion and that the sealing area is preferably defined by the sealing operation itself. It is preferred that the orientation of the foldable material is parallel to the fin-seal. Orientation of material is a term known in the art. When the material is oriented parallel to the fin-seal the risk of tearing of the material during opening of the packaging is reduced. Orientation of the foldable material perpendicular to the fin-seal facilitates tearing during opening, which is not desired. Preferably, the orientation of the foldable material is in the machine direction. The machine direction is that direction wherein the foldable material passages through the packaging apparatus. The packaging comprises a measure to open the packaging by peeling the seals without impacting the integrity of the stock cube or stock tablet and without tearing the foldable material. The packaging of the present invention comprises an opening lip (7), protruding form the end (5) of the side of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ). Therefore, the opening lip (7) is freely accessible and the chance of tearing of the material during opening is reduced. The upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) should be construed as the part of the fin-seal which is not in contact with the surface (3) comprising the base of the fin-seal, whereas the lower part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) is the part of the folded fin-seal which faces said surface (3) of the packaging. The surface (3) comprising the base of the fin-seal is a surface defined by the length and the width of the packaging. It is present at the side of the packaging which shows the fin-seal and the opening lip, at least the largest part of the fin seal and the opening lip. This side could be described as the "facing "of the packaging, by a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the opening lip (7) is located

symmetrically wherein the axis of symmetry is preferably formed by the line which divides the length of the fin-seal (1 ) in half. However, an asymmetrically located opening lip is within the scope of the present invention (Figure 2e). One side of the opening lip may be included in a cross-seal. Preferably, no edges of the opening lip are included in the fin-seal. It is preferred that the top of the opening lip does not extend over the edges of surface (3) comprising the base of the fin-seal. Preferably, the consumer has optimal control over the opening of the packaging to prevent that the content of the packaging drops on the floor or is catapulted, or breaks during opening. To improve the control during opening, preferably, the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is equal or shorter than the distance between, i.e. not including, the cross seals (compare for example figure 2a and 2b, respectively). More preferably the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is equal or shorter than the distance between the opposite edges of surface (3), perpendicular to the fin seal (1 ), which can be the length edges or the width edges of the packaging, depending on the orientation of the fin-seal (compare for example figures 2a and 2c, respectively). Preferably the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is equal or shorter than the distance between the opposite side surfaces of the stock cube or stock tablet perpendicular to the fin seal (1 ). The base (8) of the opening lip (7) should be understood as the transition line between the opening lip (7) and the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal, i.e. the line after which the opening lip (7) starts protruding from the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ). The side surfaces of the stock cube or stock tablet perpendicular to the fin seal (1 ) are preferably the surfaces as defined by the width and the height of the stock cube or stock tablet, i.e. when the fin-seal (1 ) runs along the longest dimension of the packaging. Therefore, preferably the length of the base (8) of the opening lip is equal or shorter than the side of the packaging or of the stock cube or stock tablet which is parallel to the fin-seal, more preferably shorter than the side of the packaging or of the stock cube or stock tablet which is parallel to the fin-seal. Preferably, said side which is parallel to the fin-seal is the length of the packaging. It might be preferred that the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is equal or shorter than 80% of the length of the side of the packaging or of the stock cube or stock tablet which is parallel to the fin-seal. The length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is preferably longer than 10%, more preferably longer than 30%, even more preferably longer than 50% of the side of the packaging or of the stock cube or stock tablet which is parallel to the fin-seal. The length of the base of the opening lip is preferably higher than 0.5 cm.

Preferably, the transitions from the base (8) of the opening lip (7) to the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) from which the opening lip (7) protrudes is smooth or concave or forms an obtuse angle of preferably higher than 95°, preferably higher than 1 15°, more preferably higher than 130°, and preferably less than 175°, preferably less than 165°, more preferably less than 150°. Preferably, the lower part of the opening lip, i.e. close to its base, has the shape of the lower part of a bell-shape (for example Figure 2c and 2d). Preferably, said transition is substantially tangential. In case the opening lip (7) has a convex shape, (for example Figure 2b) preferably the tangent at the transition points forms an obtuse angle of preferably higher than 95°, preferably higher than 1 15°, more preferably higher than 130°, and preferably less than 175°, preferably less than 165°, more preferably less than 150°. An angel of 90° of the opening lip (7) with the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) from which the opening lip (7) protrudes may result in tearing of the material during opening. The packaging preferably does not comprise a tear strip. Preferably, the opening lip (7) has a bell-shaped form, even more preferably a sinusoidal shape. "Sinusoidal" is preferably the shape of one phase of a sinusoid line as measured between two subsequent lowest points. The width of the opening lip (7), as measured from its base (8) to its top preferably allows easy access by fingers. The opening lip preferably does not extend over the edge of the pack parallel to the fin-seal, preferably the opening lip has a width of 4 to 20 mm, more preferably of 7 to 12 mm.

According to the invention, at least the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) protrudes from the folded fin seal (1 ), and extends beyond the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal. In this way, one side (4) of the foldable material extends beyond the end (5) of the other side (6) of the foldable material, and the fin seal (1 ) does not include the end (i.e. the edge) of both the sides (4, 6) of the foldable material adhered together in the fin-seal (1 ). It may be preferred that two sides (4, 6) of the foldable material protrude from the folded fin seal (1 ). This may provide improved opening behaviour. But also in this case, as indicated above, the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin- seal extends beyond the (end (5) of the) side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ).

For optimal opening efficiency, it is preferred that the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal extends over the (end (5) of the) side (6) of the packaging film which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal with 3 to 20 mm, preferably with 5 to 8 mm. Preferably, this side (4) does not exceed over the edge of the packaging which is parallel to the fin-seal.

The width of the cross seals (2) is preferably as short as possible, while still providing a fully closed packaging. The width of the cross seal (2) is the dimension parallel to the fin-seal (1 ) and often parallel to the length of the packaging. It is the second-longest dimension of the cross-seal. The length of the cross seal is the side perpendicular to the fin-seal and will be often similar to the width of the packaging. In this way the amount of foldable material is reduced. Further, in this way the dimension of a packaged stock cube or stock tablet which is packaged with the packaging of the present invention is close to or even smaller than the dimension of such a stock cube or stock tablet when packaged with a conventional flow-wrap or folded wrapper. This can be favourable when more of the packaging containing one or more stock cube or stock tablets need to be packaged adjacently and/or on top of each other in a secondary packaging. To this end, preferably, the width of the cross seals (2) is shorter than the height of the packaging, preferably shorter than two thirds of (0.67 times) the height of the packaging. It may be preferred, that the width of the cross seals (2) is of from 0.3 and 1 .2 cm, more preferably of from 0.4 to 0.7 cm. The cross-seals can preferably be folded against the sides of the packaging, as illustrated in figure 1 b.

To reduce the amount of packaging material and/or to minimize the dimension of the packaging, it is advantageous that the foldable material surrounds the stock cube or stock tablet as close as possible. To this end, the length of the headspace, i.e. the distance from the cross seal to the stock cube or stock tablet, is preferably less than 5 mm. This is measured as the largest distance between the part of the cross seal located adjacent to the stock cube or stock tablet, and the stock cube or stock tablet. The distance from the (inner edge of the nearest) cross seal to the stock cube or stock tablet is preferably of between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably of between 1.5 and 4 mm, most preferably of between 2 and 3.5 mm. The distance is preferably as close as possible, to improve the efficiency of opening. To provide a better opening efficiency, it may be preferred that the folded fin-seal (1 ) or the folded fin-seal (1 ) together with the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) and protrudes from the folded fin-seal are attached to the cross seals (2). In this way, the fin-seal is fixed in an orientation parallel to the surface (3) containing the base of the fin seal (1 ), preferably the surface as defined by the length and the width of the stock cube or stock tablet. Attachment of these side edges of the fin seal (1 ) and the material protruding from the fin-seal to the cross seals (2) is preferably provided by sealing or gluing.

The packaged stock cube or stock tablets according to the invention are preferably packaged in a secondary packaging, wherein the secondary packaging is preferably selected from the group consisting of a box, a tray, a bag and a jar. Preferably the secondary packaging is a box, which is preferably made from card board. Preferably, the secondary packaging comprises from 2 to 144, more preferably of from 2 to 48, most preferably of from 2 to 24 cubes or tablets according to the invention. The secondary packaging may for example contain from 2 to 48 cubes or from 6 to 24 cubes, or from 12 to 24 cubes. It is an advantage of the packaging according to the present invention that the individual packaged stock cube or stock tablets can be arranged closely together, preferably using a comparable or even smaller space compared to the situation when folded wrappers are used or in case a conventional flow-wrap would be used. In this way, the secondary packaging does not require a redesign to allow the products with the packaging according to the invention to fit. Close arrangement can be improved when the cross-seals are folded against the sides of the packaging. This may result in a block-shape, e.g. cuboid shape, of the packaging (figure 1 b), and can improve packaging efficiency and reduce the amount of packaging material that is needed.

The stock cube or stock tablet preferably comprises fat, preferably it has a fat content of from 0.5 wt% to 35 wt%, preferably of from 2 to 25 wt%, most preferably of from 3 to 15 wt%. A packaging of the present invention comprising a stock cube or tablet which contains fat shows the advantage that fat cannot migrate outside the packaging and no fat staining is observed on the surrounding of the packaged stock cube or tablet.

The packaged stock cube or tablet preferably has a water activity (Aw) of from 0.1 to 0.6, preferably of from 0.15 to 0.55, most preferably of from 0.25 to 0.45. Stock cubes or tablets with this Aw may be prone of loosing water by evaporation. Using conventional packaging, these cubes or tablets might lose a texture which allows crumbling, and the texture becomes very hard, which is not desired. This could be especially relevant for stock cubes or stock tablets with a relatively low fat content, such as lower than 15%. The salt content of the stock cube or stock tablet is preferably of between 30 and 70 wt%, more preferably of between 40 and 60 wt%. Sugar is preferably present in amounts lower than 15%, and can be present for example in an amount of from 0.5 to 15%, or from 1 to 10% or from 2 to 7%.

Process

The invention further relates to a process to provide a packaging according to the present invention around a stock cube or stock tablet. The process has been illustrated in Figure 4, which illustration is not limiting for the present invention. The process might be carried out by using a conventional fin-seal apparatus or flow wrapping apparatus, as known in the art, e.g. as described in US patent 4574566. The process comprises the step of a) providing a stock cube or stock tablet or an ingredient mixture for a stock cube or stock tablet. The ingredient mixture preferably is in the form of a powder or a paste. Preferably, in step a) a stock cube or stock tablet is provided.

The process further comprises the step b) of forming a foldable material around a stock cube or stock tablet or ingredient mixture for the stock cube or stock tablet. The foldable material is preferably folded in a tubular configuration, by moving the two sides (edges) towards each other, to cover the stock cube or stock tablet or ingredient mixture for a stock cube or stock tablet. The two sides of the foldable material contact at their respective insides to form a fin. The foldable material is preferably derived from a continuous band of foldable material. It may be preferred that the foldable material is the blank of the packaging. "Blank" is a term known to the person skilled in the art and refers to the packaging material in its two-dimensional, unfolded orientation.

In case in step a) an ingredient mixture for the stock cube or stock tablet is provided, the process of the invention comprises the step c) of shaping the ingredient mixture for the stock cube or stock tablet into a stock cube or stock tablet. The shaping step may comprise compression or extrusion, preferably the shaping comprises a compression step.

Compression can be carried out by a machine as know in the art, from for example Fette™ or Bonals™, e.g. to shape a powdery or granular ingredient mixture. Extrusion can be carried out by extrusion machinery, as known in the art, for example from Corazza™ , or Benhil™ to shape a pasty ingredient mixture. The shaping of the ingredient mixture may be carried out before, or preferably during step b) of the process of the invention. In case the shaping step is carried out during step b), an ingredient mixture for the stock cube or stock tablet may be brought on the foldable material and shaping of the ingredient mixture for the stock cube or stock tablet and forming of the foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet may be carried out simultaneously. When the foldable material is formed around the stock cube or stock tablet, a fin seal (1 ) is applied in step d) to fix the foldable material, preferably in a tubular shape.

In step e) the fin seal (1 ) is folded parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging containing the base of the fin seal, wherein the side (4) of the foldable material extending beyond the other side (6) abuts on the surface of the packaging (3). The fin-seal preferably has a width of between 2.5 and 5 mm, preferably between 3 and 4 mm. This preferred width contributes to an efficient opening of the packaging, and provides better control over the opening procedure by the consumer. A relatively broad fin-seal would require a relatively high force to open the packaging, which can increase the risk of tearing of the packaging and damaging of the product during opening. Further to this a relatively broad fin seal in combination with the opening mechanism would not be practical, if not unsuitable for relatively small products with the size of a stock cube or tablet.

In step f) cross seals (2) are applied. The cross-seals are then preferably folded towards the side surfaces of the packaged stock cube or stock tablet. It is preferred that the sealing in the process of the present invention comprises a heat treatment. A heat treatment might include application of heat by a heating device, or by applying ultrasound or by applying pressure. Preferably, the sealing comprises heat sealing. Preferably, the sealing is not cold-sealing and preferably it does not comprise gluing. Cold sealing techniques in general result in relatively wide sealing surfaces, like wide cross-seals, which is not desired in the present invention. Gluing might result in fat leakage, in case the stock cube or stock tablet is a stock cube or tablet which comprises fat.

Preferably, the process of the invention comprises the step of cutting off the foldable material required for the packaging from a continuous band of foldable material. The step of cutting off preferably comprises cutting the fin-sealed foldable material resulting from step d) to form a semi-closed packaging containing the stock cube or stock tablet, wherein the semi-closed packaging is open at two sides. Different from a conventional flow-wrap process, the step of cutting off is preferably carried out before the step of cross sealing (step f) and after application of the fin seal (step d), preferably after folding of the fin seal (step e). Cutting before the cross seals are applied surprisingly resulted in a tighter arrangement of the foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet. To this end, preferably, the process of the present invention comprises the steps of:

a) Providing a stock cube or stock tablet or ingredient mixture for a stock cube or stock tablet, preferably a stock cube or stock tablet,

b) Forming foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet, or ingredient mixture of a stock cube or stock tablet, wherein two sides of the foldable material contact at their respective insides to form a fin, wherein one of said sides (4) extends beyond the other side (6), wherein an opening lip (7) protrudes from the end (5) of the non- extending side (6),

c) In case in step a) an ingredient mixture is provided for a stock cube or stock tablet, shaping said ingredient mixture into a stock cube or stock tablet,

e) Cutting the fin-sealed foldable material resulting from step d) to form a packaging comprising two open sides containing the stock cube or stock tablet,

f) Folding the fin-seal (1 ) parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging containing the base of the fin seal, wherein the side (4) of the foldable material extending beyond the other side (6) abuts on the surface of the packaging (3),

g) Cross-sealing the foldable material, to result in a packaged stock cube or stock tablet.

The cutting is preferably carried out by cutting perpendicular to the fin seal. After cutting, preferably a semi-closed, tube shaped packaging results, containing the stock cube or stock tablet. The cutting step can be applied when the foldable material is derived from a continuous band of foldable material, e.g from a reel.

It may be preferred that the shape of the foldable material allows direct use in the packaging process. As such, it maybe preferred that the foldable material does not need to be cut to obtain the amount sufficient to create the packaging. Therefore, it may be preferred that the foldable material is the blank of the packaging. The blank of the packaging has preferably a rectangular shape, preferably oblong, wherein an opening lip protrudes from at least one of the short sides (see for example figure 3). This may be preferred when in step a) an ingredient mixture for a stock cube or stock tablet is provided, preferably in the form of a paste.

The process of the present invention preferably comprises a gusseting step. Gusseting is a technique which is as such known in the art. After a, preferably semi-closed, tube of packaging is formed by fin sealing step d), the parts of the tube which extend over the side edges of the stock cube or stock tablet are pushed inside, preferably in the direction perpendicular to the direction wherein the stock cube or stock tablet moves over the packaging line and parallel to the direction wherein the cross seals are applied. A gusseting step allows reduction of the length of the resulting cross seals. The gusseting step is applied before the cross seals (2) are applied. If a cutting step is applied, the gusseting step is preferably conducted after the cutting step. A gusseting step proved highly advantageous for creating cross-seals with a relatively short length, which allowed efficient packaging of stock cube or stock tablets in a secondary packaging. The advantage becomes especially clear when heat sealing is used during sealing steps, which is preferably the case when the sealing comprises a heat treatment, as preferred in the present invention.

Preferably, the process of the invention comprises a final packaging step wherein the resulting packaged stock cube or stock tablets are packaged in a secondary packaging. As indicated above, the secondary packaging preferably comprises from 2 to 144, more preferably of from 4 to 48, most preferably of from 6 to 24 cubes or tablets. Advantages

The packaging of the present invention provides an improved protection for stock cubes and stock tablets. No fat leakage, no entrance of organisms and no significant evaporation of water was observed upon prolonged storage. The packaging of the present invention allows controlled opening without significant damage of the packaging. The packaging can be reused, for example, in case only part of the stock cube or stock tablet is used. The packaging results in reduced use of packaging material for bouillon cubes and tablets which is cost efficient and environmental friendly. Figures

Figure 1 a.

Figure 1 a. indicates a typical example of a packaging according to the invention. The packaging comprises the following elements, as indicated by reference numbers, referred to in the description.

1 . Fin-seal

2. Cross-seal

3. Surface of the packaging which comprises the base of the fin-seal

4. Side of the foldable material comprising the lower part of the folded fin-seal

5. End of the side of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal

6. Side of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal

7. Opening lip

8. Base of the opening lip Figure 1 b

Figure 1 b indicates a packaging according to the invention, wherein the cross-seals are folded against the sides of the packaging, which results in a block-shape of the packaging.

Figure 2

Figure 2 indicates 6 possible conformations of the packaging according to the invention:

Fig. 2a: the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is slightly shorter than the distance between, i.e. not including, the cross seals. The transitions from the base (8) of the opening lip to the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal from which the opening lip protrudes forms an obtuse angle. Fig. 2b: the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (7) is shorter than the length of the stock cube or stock tablet. The opening lip has a convex shape, and the tangent at the transition point from the base (8) of the opening lip to the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal from which the opening lip protrudes forms an obtuse angle.

Fig. 2c: the fin-seal (1 ) runs parallel to the width of the packaging. The opening lip (7) has a convex shape and the transition from the base (8) of the opening lip (7) to the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal from which the opening lip protrudes is smooth. The opening lip has a sinusoidal or bell-shape.

Fig 2d: same as fig 2c, but the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal extends less far beyond the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal then in Figure 2c.

Fig 2e: the opening lip (7) is not located symmetrically in the centre of the fin-seal (1 ). The side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal comprises an excision, to improve accessibility of the opening lip (7). Fig 2f: The side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin- seal (1 ) comprises an excision, to improve accessibility of the opening lip (7).

Figure 3

Figure 3. shows two blanks with a rectangular shape, which can be used as foldable material. An opening lip (7) protrudes from the short side of the blank. The type of blank at the left side shows an excision and this type could be used for the packaging as depicted in Figures 2e and 2f.

Figure 4

Figure 4 shows a summary of the process according to the invention. It shows the steps of forming a foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet (step b), followed by applying a fin-seal (step d), and cutting (apparatus not shown). This is shown both for the situation that the packaging material is derived from a continuous band of foldable material, indicated as "flow-wrap", and for the situation that the foldable material is a blank, indicated as "wrapper". Where the foldable material is a blank, Figure 4 shows that an ingredient mixture is provided (step a) and applied on the blank, the ingredient mixture is shaped into stock cube or stock tablet (step c) while the blank is formed around the ingredient mixture (step b). It further shows sealing the material to form a fin-seal (step d), folding the fin-seal parallel to the surface of the packaging containing the base of the fin-seal (step e), gusseting, applying cross-seals (step f) and folding over the cross-seals, to result in a packaged stock cube or stock tablet.

Examples

Example 1

A stock tablet (28 x 24 x 10 mm) was provided, having a Aw of 0.55 and a fat content of 6 wt%. A blank of a packaging according to figure 3, right side, was provided. The packaging material that was used was aluminium/oriented polypropylen/heat-seal lacquer. The seals were applied by using heat sealing. During the process, the fin seal was applied, the applied fin-seal was folded, after which a gusseting step was carried out, followed by cross sealing. This resulted in a packaging as depicted in Figure 1 . The packaging was present around the tablet in a very tight manner, e.g. when compared with food products in a conventional flow- wrap. No fat leakage, no entrance of organisms and no evaporation of water was observed upon storage during 12 weeks at a temperature of 30°C and 78% relative humidity/ 40°C and 55% r.h.. When the packaging was opened, this could be done in a controlled and easy way, and the packaging was not damaged. After opening, and after use of half of the stock tablet, the packaging was folded back around the stock tablet.

Example 2

A stock tablet (28 x 24 x 10 mm) as described in Example 1 is provided and packaged according to the process of the invention. The packaging material aluminium/oriented polypropylen/heat-seal lacquer, is provided on a reel of material. The seals are applied in the conventional manner, by using an llapack™ heat sealing apparatus. During the process, after application of the fin-seal and folding of it, the packaging material is cut from the continuous band of material. A gusseting step is then carried out, followed by cross sealing. This results in a packaging as depicted in Figure 1 .

Claims

1 . A packaging containing a stock cube or stock tablet wherein the packaging comprises foldable material with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the packaging comprises a fin-seal (1 ) adhering two sides of the foldable material together at their respective inner surfaces, and two cross seals (2), the fin-seal and cross-seals being peelable, and wherein the fin-seal (1 ) is folded parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging which contains the base of the fin-seal (1 ), in this way forming an upper part and a lower part of the folded fin-seal, wherein at least the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal (1 ) protrudes from the folded fin seal (1 ) and extends beyond the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material which comprises the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ), and wherein an opening lip (7) protrudes from the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin-seal (1 ).

2. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging has a length: height ratio of from 1 :1 to 8:1 , preferably of from 1 : 1 to 5:1.

3. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the folded fin-seal (1 ) or the folded fin-seal together with the side (4) of the foldable material which comprises the lower part of the folded fin-seal and protrudes from the folded fin-seal are attached to the cross seals (2).

4. Packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the base (8) of the opening lip (8) is equal or shorter than the distance between, not including, the cross seals (2), preferably equal or shorter than the distance between the side surfaces of the packaging perpendicular to the fin seal (1 ).

5. Packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the transition from the base (8) of the opening lip (7) to the end (5) of the side (6) of the foldable material comprising the upper part of the folded fin seal (1 ) from which the opening lip (7) protrudes is smooth or forms an obtuse angle.

6. Packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the fin seal (1 ) and cross seals (2) is a heat seal.

7. Packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation of the foldable material is parallel to the fin-seal.

8. Packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the foldable material comprises a heat-sealable layer.

9. Packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the stock cube or stock tablet has a Aw of from 0.1 to 0.6.

10. A process to provide a packaging according to claim 1 to 9 around a stock cube or stock tablet, the process comprising the steps of:

b) Forming foldable material around the stock cube or stock tablet, or ingredient mixture of a stock cube or stock tablet, wherein two sides of the foldable material contact at their respective insides to form a fin, wherein one of said sides (4) extends beyond the other side (6), wherein an opening lip (7) protrudes from the end (5) of the non-extending side (6),

c) In case in step a) an ingredient mixture is provided for a stock cube or stock tablet, shaping said ingredient mixture into a stock cube or stock tablet, d) Sealing the fin resulting from step b) or c) to form a fin-seal (1 ), wherein at least the side (4) of the foldable material extending beyond the other side (6), protrudes from the fin-seal (1 ),

e) Folding the fin-seal (1 ) parallel to the surface (3) of the packaging containing the base of the fin seal (1 ), wherein the side (4) of the foldable material extending beyond the other side (6) abuts on the surface (3) of the packaging, f) Cross-sealing the foldable material, to result in a packaged stock cube or stock tablet.

1 1 . Process according to claim 10, wherein the foldable material is derived from a

continuous band of foldable material, and wherein the process comprises the step of cutting off the foldable material required for the packaging from the continuous band of foldable material.

12. Process according to claim 1 1 , wherein the step of cutting off is carried out before the step of cross-sealing and after application of the fin seal, preferably after folding of the fin-seal.

13. Process according to claim 10, wherein the foldable material is the blank of the

packaging.

14. Process according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the process further

comprises a gusseting step.

15. Process according to anyone of claims 10 to 14, wherein the sealing comprises heat sealing.