WO2015170166A1

WO2015170166A1 - A packaging product

Info

Publication number: WO2015170166A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/000768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glen OLIVER; Nicholas Hansen; Andrew Halliday
Original assignee: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-05-07
Filing date: 2015-05-01
Publication date: 2015-11-12
Also published as: AR100285A1; GB2531987A; GB201408063D0

Abstract

A packaging product is disclosed, wherein at least a portion of the product is designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use, and is formed of a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer includes silica and/or mica particles to promote the easier formation of perforations, tears, fractures and holes in the item.

Description

A PACKAGING PRODUCT

The present disclosure relates to an item of packaging. Background

It is known to form items of packaging from thermoplastic polymers. Such items may be used to package individual products which are sold individually. An example is toothbrushes. Other items may be packaged in multipacks where a plurality of individual sub-units are joined together at the time of sale and are only separated at the time of use by the consumer.

With the former type of packaging there is a desire to make the packaging tamper-resistant and also to have sufficient strength to protect the products in transit. However, where thermoplastic polymers are chosen for the packaging material, this can lead to the items of packaging being difficult to open, especially for those who are infirm or have limited hand strength.

With the latter, multipack, items of packaging, where thermoplastic polymers are chosen for the packaging material, there is typically a need to provide a pre-formed line of weakness between the individual sub-units to assist the consumer with separation. This peed increases the manufacturing costs of the items of packaging.

Summary of the Disclosure

In a first aspect the present disclosure provides an item of packaging, wherein at least a portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use is formed of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein said thermoplastic polymer includes silica and/or mica particles.

In the following passages different aspects/embodiments are defined in more detail. Each aspect/embodiment so defined may be combined with any other aspect/embodiment or aspects/embodiments unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous. By forming at least the portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use of a thermoplastic polymer containing silica and/or mica particles an improved performance of the item may be promoted. In particular, whilst not wishing to be bound by theory, the behaviour of the portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use is

understood to be modified by reducing the degree of, or eliminating, plastic yielding prior to fracture of the material. This promotes the easier formation of perforations, tears, fractures and holes in the item compared to a thermoplastic polymer without the silica and/or mica particles.

The silica and/or mica particles preferably have a particle size D50 of from

5 to 330 microns, more preferably from 40 to 150 microns, and most preferably from 110 to 120 microns. Techniques for measuring particles sizes are well known in the art. Preferably the measurements are taken with laser diffraction, such as the method described in ISO 13320-1.

It should be appreciated that one method of forming the silica particles is by a precipitation method and it is known that this can be controlled to arrive at the desired particle size ranges.

Preferably the silica particles have a specific surface area of at least 150 m²/g, preferably of at least 170 m²/g. Specific surface area measurements are well known in the art. Such high surface areas are not observed for some conventional fillers such as fibers or glass beads.

The thermoplastic polymer of at least that part of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use preferably includes at least 5% by weight silica and/or mica particles. Preferably the silica and/or mica particles are present in an amount of from 10% to 30% by weight in the thermoplastic polymer, more preferably about 15% by weight silica and/or mica particles. When the level of silica and/or mica particles is too low, the advantageous behaviour of the item is not observed, whereas when the level is too high, the injection moulding or thermoforming process is adversely affected.

The silica particles used in the present disclosure are formed of silicon and oxygen and will typically be S1O2, together with any unavoidable impurities. In another embodiment, the silica particles consist essentially of S1O2. The silica particles preferably comprise substantially pure S1O2. For example, the silica particles may be at least 90% by weight SiO2, preferably at least 95% by weight S1O2, more preferably at least 97% by weight S1O2. measured following ISO 3262-19 based on ignited substance (2h/1000°C).

Conventional glass beads provide little or no free silica. In contrast, the preferred silica particles used in the present disclosure are capable of providing free silica.

The silica particles may comprise precipitated silica particles. These may be produced by known precipitation techniques, for example from a solution containing silicate salts. In more detail, it is known to prepare precipitated silica by reacting an acidifying agent (for example sulphuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid) with a silicate of an alkali metal (for example sodium silicate or potassium silicate) to obtain a suspension of precipitated silica. The suspended precipitated silica is then separated and dried to produce a powder of precipitated silica. Precipitated silica particles produced by such processes are generally amorphous in structure and also porous. An example of a preferred precipitated silica is one having one or more of the following characteristics: specific surface area (N₂) of 100 to 600 m²/g, measured by ISO 9277; and/or particle size D50 of 5 to 330 microns, measured by ISO 13320-1. As already noted, the precipitated . silica particles may be SiO₂, together with any unavoidable impurities, or may consist essentially of SiO₂ (preferably may be at least 90% by weight SiO₂, preferably at least 95% by weight S1O2, more preferably at least 97% by weight SiO₂, measured following ISO 3262-19 based on ignited substance (2h/1000°C).) Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is considered that the inclusion of the silica and/or mica particles provides an optimum material for forming the item, in particular, silica and/or mica particles are sufficiently fine to be readily distributed within the thermoplastic polymer, and have a high specific surface area which allows them to form an integral part of the final polymer.

Advantageously, the silica and/or mica particles can be readily mixed and then injection moulded to form the item.

The thermoplastic polymer may comprise a polyethylene and/or

polypropylene polymer or co-polymer. In one example, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a high density polyethylene polymer.

In another example, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a low density polyethylene polymer, preferably a linear low density polyethylene polymer (LLDPE).

Alternative thermoplastic polymers that may be used include

polypropylene, ABS, polystyrene and blends of any of the preceding polymers.

Preferably the thermoplastic polymer consists of the polymer and the silica and/or mica particles. As will be appreciated, there may be unavoidable

impurities present in the thermoplastic polymer. However, preferably these will form less than 1wt% of the polymer, more preferably less than 0.1 wt% thereof.

The concentration by weight of silica and/or mica particles in the

thermoplastic polymer may be substantially constant.

The concentration by weight of silica and/or mica particles in the

thermoplastic polymer may be greater in the portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use than in the rest of the item.

The item may be formed as an injection moulding or be a thermoformed item.

In one example, the item comprises a multipack item of packaging comprising a plurality of individual sub-units which are initially joined together but which may be separated by cracking and/or tearing, wherein at least that portion of the multipack item designed to be cracked or torn is formed of the

thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles. Examples of such multipack items include multipacks of individual containers, for example yogurt pots and other dairy-product or dessert pots. Typically the individual containers or pots will be arranged in a matrix, e.g. 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 containers or pots. Another example of such multipack items are stick packs, e.g., for beverage powders, cheese and dairy products, yogurt, sugar, creamers, etc., where a plurality of packs are joined along their mutual lateral edges giving a linear arrangement.

That portion of the multipack item designed to be cracked or torn may be provided with a line of weakness to promote cracking or tearing. The line of weakness may be, for example, a mechanically- or lased-scored line, a line of thinned material, a perforation or other tear line. Due to the inclusion of silica and/or mica particles in the thermoplastic the line of weakness may be less substantial than would otherwise be required. For example, the depth of the scoring of the scored line may be reduced. In certain cases the line of weakness may be dispensed with entirely since the cracking or tearing behaviour of the item may allow separation of the individual sub-units by hand without difficulty.

In another example, the item may comprise a container formed from one or more individual parts which initially define an interior for storing one or more products, wherein the container may be cracked and/or torn, wherein at least that portion of the container designed to be cracked or torn is formed of the

thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles. Examples of such containers include point-of-sale packages, in particular those provided for tamper-resistant packaging of products. A few, non-limiting, examples of this include packages for toothbrushes, memory cards, scissors, etc. Another example of such a container is a confectionary product where the cracking or tearing of the container can provide an additional aesthetic effect as well as allowing access to the interior of the item. Examples include Easter eggs containing, for example, chocolates and children's chocolate surprise eggs containing toys. In these cases the cracking of the thermoplastic material of the container may mimic the effect of cracking of an egg.

That portion of the container designed to be cracked or torn may be provided with a line of weakness as described above. However, as above, the line of weakness may be less substantial than would otherwise be required. In the case of items such as the Easter eggs and chocolate surprise eggs described above, the line of weakness may be a random or zig-zag line to mimic the pattern of a cracking egg. In certain cases the line of weakness may be dispensed with entirely since the cracking or tearing behaviour of the item may allow opening of the container by hand without difficulty.

In another example the item may comprise a container defining an interior for storing one or more products, wherein the container may be punctured to gain access to the one or more products, wherein at least that portion of the container designed to be punctured is formed of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles. Examples include individual beverage pouches, beverage cartons, lids for beverage containers or cups, lids for food packaging, etc.

The item may further comprise an associated puncturing item, for example a straw or ring-pull.

In another example, the item may comprise a container comprising a body and a lid wherein the body and the lid are initially joined together to define an interior for storing one or more products, wherein the lid may be separated from the body by cracking, tearing, or peeling wherein at least that portion of the lid and/or body designed to be cracked, torn or peeled is formed of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles. Examples include 'tins' for items such as sardines, corned beef, etc. where a ring pull or opening key is used for peeling/detaching the lid from the body. Other examples include containers where a leveraged puncturing tab (e.g. such as found on a carbonated soft drinks can) is used to puncture an aperture in the body of the container.

In any of the examples described above and elsewhere in the present disclosure, that portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use may be formed of a composite material, comprising one or more layers of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles and one or more additional layers. The one or more additional layers may comprise an aluminium or other metallised layer.

According to the present disclosure the item of packaging is preferably not a capsule for preparing a beverage comprising a cup-shaped body and a lid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail, for exemplary purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a multipack item of packaging according to the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of another multipack item of packaging according to the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic view of the multipack item of Figure 2 with one individual sub-unit having been detached;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a container according to the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the container of Figure 4 after opening; Figure 6 is a schematic view of another container according to the present disclosure;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the container of Figure 6 after opening; Figure 8 is a schematic view of another container according to the present disclosure;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the container of Figure 8 after opening; Figure 10 is a schematic view of another container according to the present disclosure;

Figure 11 is a schematic view of the container of Figure 10 after opening; and

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a composite material according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the following description, examples of items of packaging will be described. In each case that portion of the item intended to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use is formed of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein said thermoplastic polymer includes silica and/or mica particles.

The thermoplastic polymer according to the present disclosure may comprise a polyethylene and/or polypropylene polymer or co-polymer. In one example the thermoplastic polymer may comprise a high density polyethylene polymer.

A non-limiting example of a suitable thermoplastic polymer is Eraclene MS 80 U HDPE manufactured by Polimeri Europa S.p.A. of Milan, Italy.

In another example the thermoplastic polymer may comprise a low density polyethylene polymer, for example a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). A non-limiting example of a suitable thermoplastic polymer is M500026 LLDPE manufactured by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The thermoplastic polymer may comprise a blend of thermoplastic polymers. In one example, a blend of 34% by weight M500026 LLDPE and 66% by weight Eraclene MS 80 U HDPE may be used. Optionally, the HDPE may comprise 1 % by weight colour masterbatch.

Dependent on the type of item, other thermoplastic polymers may be used. The silica particles according to the present invention may have a particle size D50 as measured by laser diffraction in accordance with ISO 13320-1 in the range of 5 to 330 microns.

In one example, the silica particles may have a particle size D50 in the range of 40 to 150 microns. In another example the silica particles may have a particle size D50 in the range of 1 10 to 120 microns.

The silica particles may comprise substantially pure S1O2. The silica particles may be in the form of precipitated silica.

A non-limiting example of suitable silica particles is the precipitated silica Sipernat® 22 manufactured by Evonik Industries AG of Hanau, Germany. Other examples, also manufactured by Evonik Industries AG of Hanau, Germany, include Sipernat® 609, Sipernat® 2200, Sipernat® 680 and Sipernat® 303.

The mica particles according to the present invention may have a particle size D50 as measured by laser diffraction in accordance with ISO 13320-1 in the range of 5 to 330 microns.

In one example, the mica particles may have a particle size D50 in the range of 40 to 150 microns. In another example the mica particles may have a particle size D50 in the range of 1 10 to 120 microns.

The mica may be incorporated into the thermoplastic during compounding by adding the mica as a particulate powder. Alternatively, the mica may be incorporated by adding to the compounding mixture a masterbatch material containing the mica particles in a thermoplastic base. A non-limiting example of a suitable mica product is R927 Mica filled masterbatch from Prisma Colour Limited of Glossop, United Kingdom.

The thermoplastic polymer may comprise greater than 5% by weight silica and/or mica particles. Preferably the thermoplastic polymer comprises from 10% to 30% by weight silica and/or particles. More preferably the thermoplastic polymer comprises 15% by weight silica and/or particles. While a thermoplastic polymer containing both silica and mica particles is envisaged by the present disclosure, it is preferred for manufacturing efficiency to use one or other additive for a particular item.

The thermoplastic polymer may be compounded by heating in a suitable vessel, for example a barrel, and adding the silica and/or mica particles in one or more portions as the base thermoplastic polymer passes along the heated vessel. The thermoplastic polymer is then extruded and pelletised.

The items described below may be formed as injection mouldings or thermoformed depending on the required geometry and other requirements of the item.

The item of packaging of Figure 1 comprises a multipack 10 of individual yogurt pots 11. Each yogurt pot 11 comprises a cup-shaped body 12 having an open mouth15 sealed by a lid 13 (one lid 13 is shown removed in the figure). The open mouth 15 is surrounded by a flange 14 to which the lid 13 is sealed. In addition, the multipack 10 is formed with adjoining pots 11 connected to one another by means of connections between the flanges 14. In practice the bodies 12 of the four pots 11 (the number of pots can vary in different examples) are moulded as a single moulding. According to the present disclosure, at least the flanges 14 of the bodies 12 of the pots 11 are moulded from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above. Preferably the whole of the bodies 12 are formed from said material.

An optional line of weakness can be provided between each flange 14 if desired. In use, to separate an individual sub-unit of a single pot 11 , the multipack 10 is grasped and bent in order to form a crack or tear line the mutually-adjoining flanges 14. The use of the thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles provides for easier manual separation of the pots 11 and can remove the need for providing a line of weakness.

The item of packaging of Figures 2 and 3 comprises a multipack 20 of stick packs 21. Such stick packs 21 may hold product such as soluble coffee powder or yogurt. Each stick pack 21 comprises an elongate body 22. The multipack 20 is formed with adjoining stick packs 21 connected to one another by means of connections between their mutually adjoining lateral edges 24. In practice the elongate bodies 22 of the four stick packs 21 (the number of stick packs can vary in different examples) may be moulded as a single moulding. According to the present disclosure, at least the adjoining lateral edges 24 of the elongate bodies 22 of the stick packs 11 are moulded from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above. Preferably the whole of the elongate bodies 22 are formed from said material.

An optional line of weakness can be provided between the adjoining lateral edges 24 if desired.

In use, to separate an individual stick pack 21 , the multipack 20 is grasped and one stick pack 21 is torn from the others along the adjoining lateral edges 24 as shown in Figure 3. The use of the thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles provides for easier manual separation of the stick packs 21 and can remove the need for providing a line of weakness.

The item of packaging of Figures 4 and 5 comprises a toothbrush package 30. The toothbrush package 30 comprises a backing element 31 and a

transparent bubble element 32 which together with the backing element 31 define an enclosure for holding a toothbrush 34. The backing element 31 may be provided with a hanging aperture 33.

The backing element 31 and bubble element 32 are preferably

hermetically sealed to one another to retain the hygiene of the toothbrush 34 during storage. Typically the backing element 31 and bubble element 32 are formed from relatively rigid thermoplastic material in order to provide protection to the toothbrush 34 under mechanical loads.

According to the present disclosure the backing element 31 and/or the bubble enclosure 32 are formed from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above. The items may be thermoformed.

In use, in order to open the toothbrush package 30 the backing element 31 and/or bubble element 32 may be cracked and/or torn into two parts crossways as shown in Figure 5. Alternatively only the backing element 31 may be formed from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above, in which case access to the toothbrush 34 can be made by cracking and/or tearing the backing element 31 only. The use of the thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles provides for easier manual opening of the toothbrush package and can remove the need for use of scissors.

The item of packaging of Figures 6 and 7 comprises an Easter egg package 40. The Easter egg package 40 comprises a container that may be formed from one or more parts that define an interior for storing one or more chocolate confections.

According to the present disclosure the Easter egg package 40 is formed from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above.

The Easter egg package 40 may be provided with a pre-formed line of weakness 43 patterned to look like a cracked egg. However, preferably no line of weakness is required or desired so that the Easter egg package 40 looks and functions more like a real egg.

In use, in order to open the Easter egg package 40 the container may be cracked using the hands or simple tools. The container may then be separated into two or more parts 41 , 42 as shown in Figure 7 to allow access to the contents. Advantageously, the cracking of the container tends to produce a realistic edge profile 44 to the parts 41 , 42 which is reminiscent of a real cracked egg. The use of the thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles provides for easy manual opening of the Easter egg package 40 and also produce a pleasing aesthetic effect. The item of packaging of Figures 8 and 9 comprises a beverage pouch 50.

The beverage pouch 50 comprises a container 51 that may be formed from one or more parts that define an interior for storing a beverage, for example, fruit juice. The beverage pouch 50 also comprises an associated straw 54 contained in a plastic sleeve 53 which is adhered to the outside of the container 51 during storage.

According to the present disclosure at least that portion of the container 51 to be punctured by the straw 54 is formed from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above.

In use, in order to open the beverage pouch 50 the straw 54 is removed from the plastic sleeve 53 and the container 51 is punctured with the sharp end of the straw.

The use of the thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles provides for easy manual puncturing of the beverage pouch 50 and removes the need to provide a preformed hole in the container that is sealed in transport by a laminate membrane.

The item of packaging of Figures 0 and 11 comprises a processed fish container 60 for holding products such as sardines. The container 60 comprises a body 61 defining a storage volume for the fish and having an open mouth that is sealed by a lid 62 which is connected, sealed or formed integrally with a rim 63 of the body 61. The lid 62 is provided with a ring-pull 64.

According to the present disclosure at least the container 60 is formed from a thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles as described above.

In use, in order to open the container 60 the ring-pull 64 is grasped and lifted causing a lever action that initiates a crack and/or tear between the edge of the lid 62 and the rim 63 of the body 61. Subsequent pulling on the ring-pull 64 propagates the crack/tear around the rim 63 until the lid 62 is detached as shown in Figure 11.

The use of the thermoplastic material including silica and/or mica particles provides for easy manual opening of the container 60. .

In any of the examples described above and elsewhere in the present disclosure, that portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use may be formed of a composite material 70 as shown in Figure 12. The composite material comprises a first layer 71 the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles and a second layer 73 of aluminium. An adhesive layer 72 may be interposed between the first and second layers.

Use of the composite material 70 may provide an oxygen/moisture barrier for the items of packaging.

In use, the composite material 70 still allows improved piercing,

puncturing, cracking and tearing behaviour to be exhibited. In particular the thermoplastic polymer first layer 71 will crack, tear, pierce or puncture as described above while the aluminium second layer 73 (itself mechanically relatively weak) will be torn in line with the propagating crack, tear, or aperture in the first layer 71.

According to the present disclosure, by forming at least that portion of the item intended to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use from a

thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles an improved piercing, puncturing, cracking or tearing behaviour is promoted. In particular, whilst not wishing to be bound by theory the behaviour is understood to be modified by reducing the degree of, or eliminating, plastic yielding prior to fracture of the material. This results in the formation of larger perforations, tears, cracks, etc. in the item under loading.

Although preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure or of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An item of packaging, wherein at least a portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use is formed of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein said thermoplastic polymer includes silica and/or mica particles.

2. The item of claim 1 , wherein the silica and/or mica particles have a particle size D50 of from 5 to 330 microns, preferably 40 to 150 microns.

3. The item of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises at least 5% by weight silica and/or mica particles, preferably from 10% to 30% by weight silica and/or mica particles, more preferably about 15% by weight silica and/or mica particles.

4. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the silica particles have a specific surface area of at least 150 m²/g, preferably of at least 180 m²/g.

5. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the silica particles are at least 90% by weight S1O2, preferably at least 95% by weight Si0₂, more preferably at least 97% by weight Si0₂.

6. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the silica particles are

precipitated silica particles.

7. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises a polyethylene and/or polypropylene polymer or co-polymer.

8. The item of claim 7, wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises a high density polyethylene polymer, a low density polyethylene polymer or a blend thereof.

9. The item of any of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic polymer either consists of high density polyethylene polymer and silica and/or mica particles, or consists of low density polyethylene polymer and silica and/or mica particles.

10. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the concentration by weight of silica and/or mica particles in the thermoplastic polymer is substantially constant.

11. The item of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concentration by weight of silica and/or mica particles in the thermoplastic polymer is greater in the portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use than in the rest of the item.

12. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the item is formed as an injection moulding.

13. The item of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the item is a thermoformed item.

14. The item of any preceding claim, wherein a whole of the item is formed from a single layer of thermoplastic polymer.

15. The item of any preceding claim, wherein the item comprises a multipack item of packaging comprising a plurality of individual sub-units which are initially joined together but which may be separated by cracking and/or tearing, wherein at least that portion of the multipack item designed to be cracked or torn is formed of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles.

16. The item of claim 15, wherein that portion of the multipack item designed to be cracked or torn is provided with a line of weakness.

17. The item of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the item comprises a container formed from one or more individual parts which initially define an interior for storing one or more products, wherein the container may be cracked and/or torn, wherein at least that portion of the container designed to be cracked or torn is formed of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles.

18. The item of claim 17, wherein that portion of the container designed to be cracked or torn is provided with a line of weakness.

19. The item of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the item comprises a container defining an interior for storing one or more products, wherein the container may be punctured to gain access to the one or more products, wherein at least that portion of the container designed to be punctured is formed of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles.

20. The item of claim 19, further comprising a puncturing item, for example a straw or ring-pull.

21. The item of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the item comprises a container comprising a body and a lid wherein the body and the lid are initially joined together to define an interior for storing one or more products, wherein the lid may be separated from the body by cracking, tearing, or peeling wherein at least that portion of the lid and/or body designed to be cracked, torn or peeled is formed of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles.

22. The item of any preceding claim, wherein that portion of the item designed to be pierced, punctured, cracked or torn in use is formed of a composite material, comprising one or more layers of the thermoplastic polymer including silica and/or mica particles and one or more additional layers.

23. The item of claim 22 wherein the one or more additional layers comprises an aluminium or other metallised layer.