WO2020099443A1

WO2020099443A1 - Sheet-like composite, for the production of dimensionally stable foodstuff containers, having a print mark

Info

Publication number: WO2020099443A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/081079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan GRANINGER
Original assignee: Sig Technology Ag
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2019-11-12
Publication date: 2020-05-22
Also published as: CN111196094A

Abstract

The present invention refers to a sheet-like composite, comprising: a) a carrier layer, b) a barrier layer, and wherein the carrier layer is superimposed by a first ink application, constituting a visual pattern, having a visual pattern repeating unit; wherein the sheet-like composite comprises a multitude of composite regions; wherein in a first composite region the carrier layer is superimposed by a. a second ink application, and b. a first part of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application constituting a first print mark; wherein in a second composite region the carrier layer is superimposed by a] a fourth ink application, and b] a further part of the First region of the third ink application; wherein the preceding first and the further parts are spaced apart in a direction which is perpendicular to a first borderline, which runs through between the first and further parts.

Description

SHEET-LIKE COMPOSITE, FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DIMENSIONALLY STABLE FOODSTUFF CONTAINERS, HAVING A PRINT MARK

The present invention refers to a sheet-like composite, comprising as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface of the sheet-like composite and proceeding to an inner surface of the sheet-like composite

a) a carrier layer, and

b) a barrier layer;

wherein on a side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by a first ink application, constituting a visual pattern, having a visual pattern repeating unit; wherein the sheet-like composite comprises a multitude of composite regions; wherein each composite region of the multitude of composite regions comprises an entity of the visual pattern repeating unit; wherein the multitude of composite regions comprises a first composite region and a second composite region, which adjoin one another at a first border line; wherein in the first composite region on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by

a. a second ink application, and

b. a first part of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application con stituting a first print mark;

wherein in the second composite region on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by

a] a fourth ink application, and

b] a further part of the first region of the third ink application;

wherein the first part and the further part of the first region of the third ink application are spaced apart from one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline, which runs through between the first part and the further parts of the first region of the third ink application. Further, the invention refers to a blank of a sheet-like composite; to a container precursor comprising a blank of a sheet-like composite; to a container comprising a blank of a sheet-like composite; to processes for preparing a sheet-like, for preparing a blank of a sheet like composite, for preparing a container precursor, and for preparing a closed container; to a process comprising visually inspecting a stack of blanks, and to uses of a sheet-like, of a con tainer, of an ink-jet printer, of an ink composition, and of an inspection system.

For some time, foodstuffs have been preserved, whether they be foodstuffs for human con sumption or else animal feed products, by storing them either in a can or in a jar closed by a lid. In this case, shelf life can he increased firstly by separately and very substantially sterilis ing the foodstuff and the container in each case, here the jar or can, and then introducing the foodstuff into the container and closing the container. However, these measures of increasing the shelf life of foodstuffs, which have been tried and tested over a long period, have a series of disadvantages, for example the need for another sterilisation later on. Cans and jars, because of their essentially cylindrical shape have the disadvantage that very dense and space-saving storage is not possible. Moreover, cans and jars have considerable intrinsic weight, which leads to increased energy expenditure in transport. Moreover, production of glass, tinplate or aluminium, even when the raw materials used for the purpose are recycled, necessitates quite a high expenditure of energy. In the case of jars, an aggravating factor is elevated expenditure on transport. The jars are usually prefabricated in a glass factory and then have to be transported to the facility where the foodstuff is dispensed with utilisation of considerable transport vol umes. Furthermore, jars and cans can be opened only with considerable expenditure of force or with the aid of tools and hence in a rather laborious manner. In the case of cans, there is a high risk of injury emanating from sharp edges that arise on opening. In the case of jars, it is a re peated occurrence that broken glass gets into the foodstuff in the course of filling or opening of the filled jars, which can lead in the worst case to internal injuries on consumption of the food stuff. In addition, both cans and jars have to be labelled for identification and promotion of the foodstuff contents. The jars and cans cannot be printed directly with information and promo tional messages. In addition to the actual printing, a substrate is thus needed such as a paper or suitable filth, as is a securing means such as an adhesive or sealant. Other packaging systems are known from the prior art, in order to store foodstuffs over a long period with minimum impairment. These are containers produced from sheet-like composites - frequently also referred to as laminates. Sheet-like composites of this kind are frequently con- strutted from a thermoplastic plastic layer, a carrier layer usually consisting of cardboard or paper which imparts dimensional stability to the container, an adhesion promoter layer, a bar rier layer and a further plastic layer, as disclosed inter alia in WO 90/09926 A2. As the carrier layer imparts rigidity and dimensional stability to the container produced from the laminate, these laminate containers are to be seen in a line of development with the above mentioned glasses and jars. In this the above mentioned laminate containers differ severely from pouches and bags produced from thin foils without carrier layer.

The laminate containers of the prior art already have many advantages over the conventional jars and cans. For example, a decoration or print image can be printed directly onto the lami nate or laminate precursor without the need for a separate substrate. Such a decoration may comprise information about ingredients of the foodstuff to be stored in the laminate container and/or provide a visually appealing appearance to the consumer. Nevertheless, there are im provement opportunities even in the case of these packaging systems. For example, there is a need for applying information to the laminate container which refers to the individual contain er, e.g. its production or the foodstuff in the container. Typically, the decoration is printed by a printing process involving a printing roll - such as intaglio printing or flexographic printing. Hence, the decoration cannot he varied to individually suit a container. Therefore, often QR- codes are applied in an additional printing step. In these QR-codes the information about the individual container can be encoded. For reasons of automatic scanning and also readability, the QR-code needs to be printed at the exactly correct position onto the laminate. For instance, after the container has been produced, the QR-codc is often scanned and thus, checked for readability and content. This scanning step is conducted automatically, wherein the container runs on a transportation line at high speed. Hence, the QR-code needs to be printed at the ex actly correct position in order to avoid errors in scanning which lead to the respective container being discarded as sub-standard. Further, the QR-codc is often embedded into the decoration of the container. Thus, the QR-codc is printed into a window which is left uncovered by the decoration. Here, it is desired to have an as narrow as possible unprinted rim between the dec- oration and the QR-code. Nevertheless, overlap between the decoration and the QR-code needs to be avoided as this may impair readability of the QR-code.

In general terms, it is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome a disad vantage which arises from the prior art. It is a further object of the invention to provide a web- type laminate for the production of dimensionally stable foodstuff containers, having a printed decoration and a further printing, wherein the laminate can be checked in a simple and reliable manner for a correct positioning of the further printing. Further, it is an object of the invention to provide a blank of a laminate for the production of at least one, preferably exactly one, di mensionally stable foodstuff container, having a printed decoration and a further printing, wherein the blank can be checked in a simple and reliable manner for a correct positioning of the further printing. It is a further object of the invention to provide a simple and reliable pro cess for checking blanks of a laminate for the production of at least one, preferably exactly one, dimensionally stable foodstuff container, having a printed decoration and a further print ing, for a correct positioning of the further printing. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a dimensionally stable foodstuff container of the laminate container type or a precursor thereof, wherein the container or precursor has a printed decoration and a further printing, wherein the container or precursor can he produced more reliably to have the further printing at the exactly correct position. In the preceding, the further printing is, preferably, a 2D-code. It is a further object of the invention to provide a dimensionally stable foodstuff container of the laminate container type having a 2D-code, wherein the container is suitable for the 2D- code being scanned automatically while the container is moved at high speed on a transporta tion line. The preceding suitability refers, preferably, to as little as possible rejects being pro duced due to errors in the automatic scanning of, preferably otherwise readable, 2D-codes. It is a further object of the invention to provide a dimensionally stable foodstuff container of the laminate container type having a 2D-code, wherein the container shows a more reliable reada bility of the 2D-code.

A contribution to at least partial achievement of at least one of the above objects is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments which contrib ute to at least partial achievement of at least one of the objects. A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a sheet-like composite 1, comprising as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface of the sheet-like composite and proceeding to an inner surface of the sheet-like composite

a) a carrier layer, and

b) a barrier layer;

wherein on a side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by a first ink application, constituting a visual pattern, having a visual pattern repeating unit; wherein the sheet-like composite comprises a multitude of composite regions; wherein each composite region of the multitude of composite regions comprises an entity of the visual pattern repeating unit; wherein the multitude of composite regions comprises a first composite region and a second composite region, which adjoin one another at a first border line; wherein in the first composite region on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the harrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by

a. a second ink application, and

a] a fourth ink application, and

b] a further part of the first region of the third ink application;

wherein the first part and the further part of the first region of the third ink application are spaced apart from one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline, which runs through between the first part and the further part of the first region of the third ink application.

An embodiment 2 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 1, wherein the first part and the further part of the first region of the third ink application are spaced apart from one another in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline by a distance in a range from 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 4 mm, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 mm, even more preferably from 0.5 to 2.5 mm, most preferably from 1 to 2 mm.

An embodiment 3 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the third ink application comprises a further region, wherein the first region and the further region of the third ink application are displaced from one another in a direction along the first borderline, wherein the further region of the third ink application runs across the first borderline. Preferably, the first region and the further region of the third ink application are spaced apart from one another in a direction along the first border line by a distance in a range from 0.2 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 1 mm, even more preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, most preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

An embodiment 4 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the third ink application has a length in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline, wherein the length is in a range from 2 to 20 mm, preferably from 2 to 15 mm, more preferably from 2 to 10 mm, more prefer ably from 2 to 8 mm, even more preferably from 4 to 7 mm, most preferably from 5 to 6 mm.

An embodiment 5 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the third ink application has a maxi mum width in a direction along the first borderline, wherein the maximum width is in a range from 1 to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm, even more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, most preferably from 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

An embodiment 6 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the visual pattern repeating unit has a first surface area, wherein the second ink application or the fourth ink application or each of both has a further surface area, wherein the further surface area is less than the first surface area. Preferably, the first surface area is more than the further surface area by at least 10 %, more preferably by at least 20 %, more preferably by at least 30 %, more preferably by at least 40 %, most preferably by at least 50 %, in each case of a surface area of the corresponding composite region of the multitude of composite regions. The first surface area is, preferably, in the range from 20 to 90 %, preferably from 30 to 90 %, more preferably from 40 to 85%, most preferably from 50 to 85 %, in each case of a surface area of each of the first composite region and the second composite region, more preferably of a surface area of each of the composite regions of the multitude of composite regions. Preferably, the further surface area is in the range from 1 to 10 %, preferably from 2 to 8 %, more preferably from 2 to 5 %, in each case of a surface area of each of the first composite region and the second composite region, more preferably of a surface area of each of the composite regions of the multitude of composite regions.

An embodiment 7 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first ink application comprises a first number of colourants of different colours, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application, or each of a combination of at least two thereof comprises a further number of colourants of different colours, wherein the first number is more than the further number. Preferably, the first number is at least 1, more preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 4, most preferably at least 5, more than the further number. The further number is preferably 1. Further preferably, each of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application comprises the further number of colourants of different colours.

An embodiment 8 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a width of the first region of the third ink application varies in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline. Preferably the width of the first region of the third ink application decreases monotonically, more prefera bly strictly monotonic, in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline. Further preferably, the first region of the third ink application tapers in the direction which is perpen dicular to the first borderline at an angle in a range from 5 to 20°, more preferably from 6 to 12°, most preferably from 8 to 10°. The preceding features of the first region of the third ink application facilitate an easy correction of the printing process if it has been found that the second and / or fourth ink application is not printed at a sufficiently correct position.

An embodiment 9 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a composition of one selected from the group consisting of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof is different from a composition of the first ink application. Therein, the preceding compositions differ, preferably, in terms of a number of colourants of different colour or in terms of polymers in the compositions.

An embodiment 10 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof comprises a crosslinked polymer. Preferably, each of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application comprises a crosslinked polymer. Preferably, the preceding ink applications comprise the same crosslinked polymer. A preferred crosslinked polymer is a poly-addition product. A further preferred crosslinked polymer is obtainable via a crosslinking reaction which is initiated by irradiation with UV-light. Herein, UV-light is light of a wavelength in a range from 100 to 380 nm.

An embodiment 11 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first ink application comprises less crosslinked polymer than one selected from the group consisting of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application, or each of a combination of at least two thereof. Preferably, the first ink application comprises no crosslinked polymer.

An embodiment 12 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second ink application or the fourth ink application or each of both constitutes a 2D-code.

An embodiment 13 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac- cording to the embodiment 12, wherein the 2D-code comprises a graphic representation of a sequence of bits.

An embodiment 14 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 13, wherein the sequence of bits comprises at least 50 bits, prefera bly at least 100 bits, more preferably at least 200 bits, more preferably at least 300 bits, more preferably at least 400 bits, more preferably at least 500 bits, even more preferably at least 1000 bits, more preferably at least 1500, still more preferably at least 2000 bits, more prefera bly at least 3000 bits, more preferably at least 5000, more preferably at least 10000 bits, more preferably at least 15000 bits, most preferably at least 20000 bits.

An embodiment 15 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the 2D-code has a symbol contrast of at least 20 %, preferably at least 40 %, more preferably at least 55 %, most preferably at least 70 %.

An embodiment 16 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the 2D-code has an axial non-uniformity of not more than 0.12, preferably not more than 0.1, more preferably not more than 0.08, most preferably not more than 0.06.

An embodiment 17 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 12 to 16, wherein the 2D-code has an unused error correc tion parameter of at least 0.25, preferably at least 0.37, more preferably at least 0.5, most pref erably at least 0.62.

An embodiment 18 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first ink application is obtainable by a first printing method, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the second ink ap plication, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application, or each of a combination of at least two thereof is obtainable by a further printing method, wherein the first printing meth od is different from the further printing method. Preferably, each of the second ink application, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application is obtainable by the further printing method.

An embodiment 19 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 18, wherein the first printing method comprises applying at least one first ink composition onto a sheet-like composite precursor, comprising the carrier layer, via contacting the sheet-like composite precursor with at least one printing forme. A preferred printing forme is a printing plate or a printing cylinder or both. A preferred first printing meth od is one selected from the group consisting of intaglio printing, offset printing, gravure print ing, rotogravure printing, flexographic printing, relief printing and flat printing or a combina tion of at least two thereof.

An embodiment 20 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the further printing method comprises applying at least one further ink composition onto a sheet-like composite precursor, comprising the car rier layer, without contacting the sheet-like composite precursor with a printing forme. The further printing method, preferably, further comprises irradiating the further ink composition with UV-light. Further preferably, the further printing method is a digital printing method or a non-impact printing method or both. A preferred digital printing method is an inkjet printing method. A preferred non-impact printing method is an inkjet printing method.

An embodiment 21 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first ink application is present in a first composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a first surface tension, wherein the second ink application is disposed in a second composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a second surface tension, wherein the third ink application is dis posed in a third composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a third surface tension, wherein the fourth ink application is disposed in a fourth composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a fourth surface tension, wherein the first surface tension is more than one selected from the group consisting of the second surface tension, the third sur face tension, and the fourth surface tension, or than each of a combination of at least two thereof. Preferably, the first surface tension is more than one selected from the group consist ing of the second surface tension, the third surface tension, and the fourth surface tension, or than each of a combination of at least two thereof, by at least 0.5 dyne/cm, more preferably by at least 1 dyne/cm, more preferably by at least 2 dyne/cm, most preferably by at least 3 dyne/cm. In the at least part of the first composite area the first ink application preferably has a surface coverage in the range from 70 to 100 %, more preferably from 80 to 100, more prefer ably from 90 to 100, most preferably from 95 to 100 %, each based on a surface area of the at least part of the first composite area, wherein 100 % is particularly preferred. Preferably, the second ink application or the fourth ink or each of both has a surface coverage in the range from 10 to 95 %, more preferably from 15 to 90 %, most preferably from 20 to 85%, each based on a surface area of the at least part of the respective composite area. Preferably, the second ink application or the fourth ink or each of both has a surface coverage in one of the preceding ranges throughout the respective composite area.

An embodiment 22 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 21, wherein the first surface tension is in a range from 42 to 46 dyne/cm, preferably from 42.5 to 45.5 dyne/cm, more preferably from 43 to 45 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 23 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 2 1 or 22, wherein the second surface tension, the third surface ten sion, and the fourth surface tension differ from each other by less than 2 dyne/cm, preferably less than 1 dyne/cm, more preferably less than 0.5 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 24 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the second surface tension, the third sur face tension, and the fourth surface tension are each in a range from 37 to 41.5 dyne/ cm, pref erably from 38 to 41 dyne/cm, more preferably from 39 to 41 dyne/cm. An embodiment 25 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the visual pattern repeating unit consti tutes a decoration of a container to he formed from a composite region of the multitude of composite regions.

An embodiment 26 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sheet-like composite comprises a pattern of groove lines, wherein the pattern of groove lines comprises a groove line pattern repeating unit, wherein each composite region of the multitude of composite regions comprises an entity of the groove line pattern repeating unit, wherein the groove line pattern repeating unit is designed such that a closed container can be formed from each composite region of the multitude of composite regions by separating the composite region out of the sheet-like com posite, folding the composite region along the groove lines of an entity of the groove line pat tern repeating unit and joining parts of the composite region with each other. The joining is preferably effected as a scaling.

An embodiment 27 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the multitude of composite regions comprises a third composite region, wherein the third composite region and the second compo site region adjoin one another at a further borderline, wherein in the second composite region on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is further superimposed by a first part of a first region of a fifth ink application, the fifth ink application constituting a further print mark, wherein in the third composite region on the side of the carri er layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by

a} a sixth ink application, and

b} a further part of the first region of the fifth ink application,

wherein the first part and the further part of the first region of the fifth ink application are spaced apart from one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the further borderline, which runs through between the first part and the further part of the first region of the fifth ink application. In a preferred embodiment, a width of the first region of the fifth ink application varies in the direction which is perpendicular to the further borderline. Preferably, the width of the first region of the fifth ink application decreases monotonically, more preferably strictly monotonic, in the direction which is perpendicular to the further borderline. Further preferably, the first region of the fifth ink application tapers in the direction which is perpendicular to the further borderline at an angle in a range from 5 to 20°, more preferably from 6 to 12°, most preferably from 8 to 10°. The first part and the further part of the first region of the fifth ink application are, preferably, spaced apart from one another in the direction which is perpendicu lar to the further borderline by a distance in a range from 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 4 min, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 mm, even more preferably from 0.5 to 2.5 mm, most pref erably from 1 to 2 mm. Further preferably, the fifth ink application has a length in the direction which is perpendicular to the further borderline, wherein the length is in a range from 2 to 20 mm, preferably from 2 to 15 mm, more preferably from 2 to 10 mm, more preferably from 2 to 8 mm, even more preferably from 4 to 7 mm, most preferably from 5 to 6 mm. Preferably, the fifth ink application has a maximum width in a direction along the further borderline, wherein the maximum width is in a range from 1 to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 10 mm, more prefera bly from 1 to 5 mm, even more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, most preferably from 1.5 to 2.0 mm. Generally, features disclosed in the context of the third ink application are also preferred for the fifth ink application as far as it comprises corresponding parts or regions.

An embodiment 28 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 27, wherein the fifth ink application comprises a further region, wherein the first region and the further region of the fifth ink application are displaced from one another in a direction along the further borderline, wherein the further region of the fifth ink application runs across the further borderline. Preferably, the first region and the further region of the fifth ink application are spaced apart from one another in a direction along the further borderline by a distance in a range from 0.2 to 10 min, preferably from 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 1 mm, even more preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, most preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

An embodiment 29 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the first print mark and the further print mark are identical. An embodiment 30 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sheet-like composite is rolled up to a roll having at least two plies, preferably at least 10 plies, more preferably at least 50 plies, most preferably at least 100 plies, of the sheet-like composite superimposed on one another.

An embodiment 13 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each composite region comprises

A) a bottom region which is designed to forth a bottom of a closed container

formed from the composite region, and

B) a top region which is designed to form a top of the closed container formed

from the composite region,

wherein bottom regions of the first composite region and the second composite region adjoin at the first borderline, wherein top regions of the first composite region and the second compo site region adjoin at the first borderline. Preferably, the preceding bottom regions each com prise groove lines which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines the bottom of the closed container can he formed from the bottom region. Analogously, the preceding top regions, preferably, each comprise groove lines which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines the top of the closed container can be formed from the top region.

An embodiment 32 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiments 31, wherein the third ink application is disposed in the bottom regions of the first composite region and the second composite region. Additionally or alterna tively preferred, the fifth ink application is disposed in the bottom regions of the second com posite region and the third composite region. Preferably, one selected from the group consist ing of the second ink application, the fourth ink application, and the sixth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof is not disposed in any bottom region of any composite re gion.

An embodiment 33 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sheet-like composite further com- prises an outer polymer layer which superimposes the carrier layer on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the harrier layer.

An embodiment 34 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiments 33, wherein the outer polymer layer is disposed between one se lected from the group consisting of the first ink application, the second ink application, the third ink application and the fourth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof, on one side of the outer polymer layer; and the carrier layer on an opposite side of the outer pol ymer layer.

An embodiment 35 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiments 33 or 34, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the first ink application, the second ink application, the third ink application and the fourth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof adjoins the outer polymer layer.

An embodiment 36 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the first ink application, the second ink application, the third ink application and the fourth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof, is not superimposed by any layer of the sheet-like composite on a side of the respective ink application which is remote from the carrier layer.

An embodiment 37 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an inner polymer layer, wherein the inner polymer layer superimposes the barrier layer on a side of the barrier layer which is remote from the carrier layer.

An embodiment 38 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an intermediate polymer layer, wherein the intermediate polymer layer is disposed between the carrier layer and the barrier layer.

An embodiment 39 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the carrier layer has at least one through-hole, wherein the at least one through-hole is covered at least by the barrier layer as hole-covering layer. Preferably, the at least one through-hole is, additionally, covered by one selected from the group consisting of the outer polymer layer, the inner polymer layer, and the intermediate polymer layer, or by a combination of at least two thereof, in each case as holecovering layers.

An embodiment 40 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the carrier layer includes, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting of paperboard, cardboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof.

An embodiment 41 of the sheet-like composite 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the barrier layer includes, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting a polymer, a metal, and a metal oxide, or of a combination of at least two thereof.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a blank 1 of a sheet-like composite comprising as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface of the sheet-like composite and proceeding to an inner surface of the sheet-like composite

a) a carrier layer, and

b) a barrier layer;

wherein on a side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is superimposed by

a. a first ink application,

b. a fourth ink application, c. a part of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application constitut ing a first print mark, and

d. a part of a first region of a fifth ink application, the fifth ink application constituting a further print mark;

wherein the blank comprises

a] a first cutting edge, and

b] a second cutting edge which is opposite the first cutting edge;

wherein the part of the first region of the third ink application has a first distance from the first cutting edge; wherein the part of the first region of the fifth ink application has a second dis tance from the second cutting edge; wherein the first distance and the second distance are each in a range from more than 0 mm up to 5 mm, preferably from more than 0 mm up to 4 mm, more preferably from more than 0 mm up to 3 mm, even more preferably more than 0 mm up to 2.5 mm, most preferably from more than 0 mm up to 2 mm. In addition to the preceding ranges, it is preferred that the first distance and the second distance are each at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, a width of the part of the first re gion of the third ink application varies in a direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge. Preferably, the width of the part of the first region of the third ink application decreases monotonically, more preferably strictly monotonic, in the direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge. Further preferably, the part of the first region of the third ink application tapers in the direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge at an angle in a range from 5 to 20°, more preferably from 6 to 12°, most preferably from 8 to 10°. In a preferred embodiment, a width of the part of the first region of the fifth ink application varies in a direc tion which is perpendicular to the second cutting edge. Preferably, the width of the part of the first region of the fifth ink application decreases monotonically, more preferably strictly mono tonic, in the direction which is perpendicular to the second cutting edge. Further preferably, the part of the first region of the fifth ink application tapers in the direction which is perpendicular to the second cutting edge at an angle in a range from 5 to 20°, more preferably from 6 to 12°, most preferably from 8 to 10°. In a preferred embodiment of the blank, a feature or entity of the blank having the same designation as a feature or entity of the sheet-like composite of the invention is designed in accordance with that feature or entity of the sheet-like composite. In case of the first ink application, the first ink application of the blank preferably is an entity of the visual pattern repeating unit of the first ink application of the sheet-like composite. In a preferred embodiment, the blank is obtainable from the sheet-like composite of the invention by separating the second composite region out of the sheet-like composite. This separating comprises preferably cutting along the first borderline, thereby obtaining the first cutting edge and further preferably also cutting along the further borderline, thereby obtaining the second cutting edge. In order for the designations of the features and entities of the blank to be in con formity with the sheet-like composite of the invention, numberings of features and entities of the blank, e.g. of the ink applications, may not be consecutive. Herein, with regard to the third ink application and the fifth ink application the phrase“in the blank” means that the statement given refers to those parts of the third ink application and the fifth ink application, respective ly, which the blank comprises.

An embodiment 2 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the em bodiment 1. wherein the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge adjoin a further edge of the blank which connects the first cutting edge to the second cutting edge, wherein the third ink application has a third distance from the further edge, wherein the fifth ink application has a fourth distance from the further edge, wherein the third distance and the fourth distance dif fer by no more than 10 %, preferably no more than 5 %, more preferably nor more than 3 %, even more preferably no more than 1 %, of the third distance. Most preferably, the third dis tance and the fourth distance are the same. Preferably, the third distance or the fourth distance or each of both is in a range from 1 to 50 mm, more preferably from 1 to 40 mm, more prefer ably from 1 to 30 mm, more preferably from 1 to 20 mm, most preferably from 3 to 20 mm.

An embodiment 3 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the em bodiment 1 or 2, wherein on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the barrier layer the carrier layer is further superimposed by a part of a further region of the third ink applica tion and a part of a further region of the fifth ink application, wherein the part of the first re gion and the part of the further region of the third ink application are displaced from one an other in a direction along the first cutting edge, wherein the part of the further region of the third ink application adjoins the first cutting edge, wherein the part of the first region and the part of the further region of the fifth ink application are displaced from one another in a direc tion along the second cutting edge, wherein the part of the further region of the fifth ink appli cation adjoins the second cutting edge. Preferably, the part of the first region and the part of the further region of the third ink application are displaced from one another in a direction along the first cutting edge by a distance in a range from 0.2 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 1 mm, even more pref erably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, most preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm. Preferably, the part of the first region and the part of the further region of the fifth ink application are displaced from one an other in a direction along the first second cutting edge by a distance in a range from 0.2 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 3 mm. more preferably from 0.2 to 1 mm, even more preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, most preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

An embodiment 4 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in the blank the third ink application has a length in a direc tion which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge in a range from 0.5 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 5 mm, more preferably from 1 to 4 mm, most preferably from 1 to 3 mm.

An embodiment 5 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 4, wherein in the blank the fifth ink application has a length in a direc tion which is perpendicular to the second cutting edge in a range from 0.5 to 10 mm, prefera bly from 0.5 to 5 mm, more preferably from 1 to 4 mm, most preferably from 1 to 3 mm.

An embodiment 6 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 5, wherein in the blank a length of the third ink application in a direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge and a length of the fifth ink application in a direction which is perpendicular to the second cutting edge differ by no more than 10 %, pref erably no more than 5 %, more preferably nor more than 3 %, even more preferably no more than 1 %, of the length of the third ink application. An embodiment 7 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 6, wherein in the blank the third ink application has a maximum width in a direction along the first cutting edge in a range from 1 to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm, even more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, most preferably from 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

An embodiment 8 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 7, wherein in the blank the fifth ink application has a maximum width in a direction along the second cutting edge in a range from 1 to 10 min, preferably from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm, even more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, most preferably from 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

An embodiment 9 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 8, wherein in the blank a maximum width of the third ink application in a direction along the first cutting edge and a maximum width of the fifth ink application in a direction along the second cutting edge differ by no more than 50 %, preferably no more than 40 %, more preferably no more than 30 %, more preferably no more than 20 %, more prefera bly no more than 10 %, more preferably nor more than 5 %, even more preferably no more than 3 %, of the maximum width of the third ink application.

An embodiment 10 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first ink application has a first surface area, wherein the fourth ink application has a further surface area, wherein the further surface area is less than the first surface area. Preferably, the first surface area is more than the further surface area by at least 10 %, more preferably by at least 20 %, more preferably by at least 30 %, more prefer ably by at least 40 %, most preferably by at least 50 %, in each case of total surface area of the outer surface.

An embodiment 11 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the first ink application comprises a first number of colour ants of different colours, wherein in the blank one selected from the group consisting of the third ink application, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application, or each of a com- bination of at least two thereof comprises a further number of colourants of different colours, wherein the first number is more than the further number. Preferably, the first number is at least 1 , more preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 4, most preferably at least 5, more than the further number. The further number is preferably 1. Further preferably, each of the third ink application, the fourth ink, and the fifth ink application comprises the further number of colourants of different colours.

An embodiment 12 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 11, wherein in the blank a composition of one selected from the group consisting of the third ink application, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof is different from a composition of the first ink applica tion. Therein, the preceding compositions differ, preferably, in terms of a number of colourants of different colour or in terms of polymers in the compositions.

An embodiment 13 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 12, wherein in the blank one selected from the group consisting of the third ink application, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof comprises a crosslinked polymer. Preferably, in the blank each of the third ink application, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application comprises a cross- linked polymer. Preferably, the preceding ink applications comprise the same crosslinked pol ymer. A preferred crosslinked polymer is a poly-addition product. A further preferred cross linked polymer is obtainable via a crosslinking reaction which is photo-initiated, preferably by irradiation with UV-light.

An embodiment 14 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the first ink application comprises less crosslinked polymer than one selected from the group consisting of the third ink application, the fourth ink applica tion, and the fifth ink application, or each of a combination of at least two thereof. Preferably, the first ink application comprises no crosslinked polymer. An embodiment 15 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the fourth ink application constitutes a 2D-code.

An embodiment 16 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the first ink application is obtainable by a first printing method, wherein in the blank one selected from the group consisting of the third ink applica tion, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application, or each of a combination of at least two thereof is obtainable by a further printing method, wherein the first printing method is different from the further printing method. Preferably, in the blank each of the third ink ap plication, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application is obtainable by the first print ing method.

An embodiment 17 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1 6, wherein the first printing method comprises applying at least one first ink composition onto a sheet-like composite precursor, comprising the carrier layer, via contacting the sheet-like composite precursor with at least one printing forme.

An embodiment 18 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the further printing method comprises applying at least one further ink composition onto a sheet-like composite precursor, comprising the carrier layer, without contacting the sheet-like composite precursor with a printing forme.

An embodiment 19 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the first ink application is disposed in a first composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a first surface tension, wherein in the blank the third ink application is disposed in a third composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a third surface tension, wherein the fourth ink application is disposed in a fourth composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a fourth surface tension, where in in the blank the fifth ink application is disposed in a fifth composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a fifth surface tension, wherein the first surface tension is more than one selected from the group consisting of the third surface tension, the fourth surface ten sion, and the fifth surface tension, or than each of a combination of at least two thereof, prefer ably than all of the third surface tension, the fourth surface tension, and the fifth surface ten sion. Preferably, the first surface tension is more than one selected from the group consisting of the third surface tension, the fourth surface tension, and the fifth surface tension, or than each of a combination of at least two thereof, preferably than all of the third surface tension, the fourth surface tension, and the fifth surface tension, by at least 0.5 dyne/cm, more prefera bly by at least 1 dyne/cm, more preferably by at least 2 dyne/cm, most preferably by at least 3 dyne/cm. In the at least part of the first composite area the first ink application preferably has a surface coverage in the range from 70 to 100 %, more preferably from 80 to 100, more prefer ably from 90 to 100, most preferably from 95 to 100 %, each based on a surface area of the at least part of the first composite area, wherein 100 % is particularly preferred. Preferably, one selected from the group consisting of the third ink application, the fourth ink application, and the fifth ink application or each of a combination of at least two thereof has a surface coverage in the range from 10 to 95 %, more preferably from 15 to 90 %, most preferably from 20 to 85%, each based on a surface area of the at least part of the respective composite area. Prefera bly, one selected from the group consisting of the third ink application, the fourth ink applica tion, and the fifth ink application, or each of a combination of at least two thereof has a surface coverage in one of the preceding ranges throughout the respective composite area.

An embodiment 20 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 19, wherein the first surface tension is in a range from 42 to 46 dyne/cm, prefera bly from 42.5 to 45.5 dyne/cm, more preferably from 43 to 45 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 21 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 19 or 20. wherein the third surface tension, the fourth surface tension, and the fifth surface tension differ from each other by less than 2 dyne/cm, preferably less than 1 dyne/cm, more preferably less than 0.5 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 22 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 19 to 21, wherein the third surface tension, the fourth surface tension, and the fifth surface tension are each in a range from 37 to 41.5 dyne/cm, preferably from 38 to 41 dyne/cm, more preferably from 39 to 41 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 23 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the first ink application constitutes a decoration of a closed container, the preparation of which the blank is designed for.

An embodiment 24 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the blank comprises a multitude groove lines, wherein a closed container is obtainable from the blank by folding the blank along the groove lines and joining parts of the blank with each other. The joining is preferably effected as a sealing.

An embodiment 25 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the blank comprises

A) a bottom region which is designed to form a bottom of a closed container

formed from the blank, and

B) a top region which is designed to form a top of the closed container formed

from the blank,

wherein the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge each run from the bottom region to the top region. In that context, the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge constitute lon gitudinal edges of the blank. Preferably, the preceding bottom region comprises groove lines which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines the bottom of the closed con tainer can be formed from the bottom region. Analogously, the preceding top region, prefera bly, comprises groove lines which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines the top of the closed container can be formed from the top region.

An embodiment 26 of the blank 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 25, wherein in the blank the third ink application and the fifth ink application are disposed in the bottom region. Preferably, the fourth ink application is not disposed in the bot tom region. A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a container precursor 1, comprising a blank of a sheet-like composite, where in the blank comprises as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface of the blank and proceeding to an inner surface of the blank

a) a carrier layer, and

b) a barrier layer,

a. a first ink application.

b. a second ink application, and

c. a part of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application constitut ing a print mark,

wherein the blank comprises

a] a first cutting edge in a first edge region of the blank, and

b] a second cutting edge in a further edge region of the blank,

wherein the second cutting edge is opposite the first cutting edge; wherein the first edge region and the further edge region are joined to one another, thereby forming a longitudinal seam of the container precursor; wherein the part of the first region of the third ink application has a distance in a range from more than 0 mm up to 5 mm, preferably from more than 0 mm up to 4 mm, more preferably from more than 0 mm up to 3 mm, even more preferably more than 0 mm up to 2.5 mm, most preferably f more than 0 mm up to 2 mm, from the first cutting edge; wherein each of the second ink application and the part of the first region of the third ink ap plication comprises a crosslinked polymer. In addition to the preceding ranges, it is preferred that the distance of the part of the first region of the third ink application is at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, a width of the part of the first re gion of the third ink application varies in a direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge. Preferably, the width of the part of the first region of the third ink application decreases monotonically, more preferably strictly monotonic, in the direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge. Further preferably, the part of the first region of the third ink application tapers in the direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge at an angle in a range from 5 to 20°, more preferably from 6 to 12°, most preferably from 8 to 10°. Here, the second ink application and the part of the first region of the third ink application may comprise differ ent crosslinked polymers or the same crosslinked polymers, wherein the latter is particularly preferred. In a preferred embodiment of the container precursor 1 , a feature or entity of the container precursor having the same designation as a feature or entity of the sheet-like compo site 1 or the blank 1 of the invention is designed in accordance with that feature or entity of the sheet-like composite or blank. In case of the first ink application, the first ink application of the container precursor, preferably, is an entity of the visual pattern repeating unit of the first ink application of the sheet-like composite. In a preferred embodiment, the container precursor is obtainable from the blank 1 of the invention by folding the blank, thereby bringing a first edge region of the blank, comprising the first cutting edge and a further edge region of the blank, comprising the second cutting edge, into overlap; and joining the first edge region to the fur ther edge region, thereby obtaining the longitudinal seam. Such process is described, analo gously, as the process 3 of the invention. Therein, however, the container precursor 1 is de scribed using features numbered in accordance with the first composite region of the sheet-like composite 1 of the invention, wherein the process 3 is described herein using features num bered in accordance with the second composite region of the sheet-like composite 1 of the in vention.

An embodiment 2 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured accord ing to the embodiment 1, wherein on the side of the carrier layer which is remote from the bar rier layer the carrier layer is further superimposed by a part of a further region of the third ink application, wherein the part of the first region and the part of the further region of the third ink application are displaced from one another in a direction along the first cutting edge, wherein the part of the further region of the third ink application adjoins the first cutting edge. Preferably, the part of the first region and the part of the further region of the third ink applica tion are displaced from one another in a direction along the first cutting edge by a distance in a range from 0.2 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 1 mm, even more preferably from 0.3 to 0.7 mm, most preferably from 0.4 to 0.6 mm. An embodiment 3 of the container 1 precursor according to the invention is configured accord ing to the embodiment 1 or 2, wherein in the blank the third ink application has a length in a direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge in a range from 0.5 to 10 mm, prefer ably from 0.5 to 5 mm, more preferably from 1 to 4 mm, most preferably from 1 to 3 mm.

An embodiment 4 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured accord ing to any of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in the blank the third ink application has a max imum width in a direction along the first cutting edge in a range from 1 to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 1 0 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm, even more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, most preferably from 1.5 to 2.0 mm.

An embodiment 5 of the container precursor according to the invention is configured accord ing to any of the embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first ink application has a first surface area, wherein the second ink application has a further surface area, wherein the further surface area is less than the first surface area. Preferably, the first surface area is more than the further sur face area by at least 1 0 %, more preferably by at least 20 %, more preferably by at least 30 %, more preferably by at least 40 %, most preferably by at least 50 %, in each case of total surface area of the outer surface.

An embodiment 6 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured accord ing to any of the embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the first ink application comprises a first num ber of colourants of different colours, wherein in the blank the second ink application, or the third ink application, or each of both comprises a further number of colourants of different colours, wherein the first number is more than the further number. Preferably, the first number is at least 1, more preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 3, even more preferably at least 4, most preferably at least 5, more than the further number. The further number is preferably 1.

An embodiment 7 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured accord ing to any of the embodiments 1 to 6, wherein in the blank a composition of the second ink application, or the third ink application, or each of both is different from a composition of the first ink application. Therein, the preceding compositions differ, preferably, in terms of a num- ber of colourants of different colour or in terms of polymers in the compositions.

An embodiment 8 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured accord ing to any of the embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first ink application comprises less cross- linked polymer than the third ink application or the fourth ink application or each of both. Preferably, the first ink application comprises no crosslinked polymer.

An embodiment 9 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured accord ing to any of the embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the second ink application constitutes a 2D- code.

An embodiment 10 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first ink application is obtainable by a first printing method, wherein in the blank the second ink application, or the third ink applica tion, or each of both is obtainable by a further printing method, wherein the first printing method is different from the further printing method.

An embodiment 11 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 10, wherein the first printing method comprises applying at least one first ink composition onto a sheet-like composite precursor, comprising the carrier layer, via contacting the sheet-like composite precursor with at least one printing forme.

An embodiment 12 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the further printing method comprises applying at least one further ink composition onto a sheet-like composite precursor, comprising the car rier layer, without contacting the sheet-like composite precursor with a printing forme.

An embodiment 13 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first ink application is disposed in a first composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a first surface tension, wherein the second ink application is disposed in a second composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a second surface tension, wherein in the blank the third ink appli cation is disposed in a third composite area in which the outer surface at least partially has a third surface tension, wherein the first surface tension is more than the second surface tension, or the third surface tension, or each of both. Preferably, the first surface tension is more than the second surface tension, or the third surface tension, or each of both by at least 0.5 dyne/cm, more preferably by at least 1 dyne/cm, more preferably by at least 2 dyne/cm, most preferably by at least 3 dyne/cm. In the at least part of the first composite area the first ink application preferably has a surface coverage in the range from 70 to 100 %, more preferably from 80 to 100, more preferably from 90 to 100, most preferably from 95 to 100 %, each based on a sur face area of the at least part of the first composite area, wherein 100 % is particularly pre ferred. Preferably, the second surface tension, or the third surface tension, or each of both has a surface coverage in the range from 10 to 95 %, more preferably from 15 to 90 %, most prefer ably from 20 to 85%, each based on a surface area of the at least part of the respective compo site area. Preferably, the second surface tension, or the third surface tension, or each of both has a surface coverage in one of the preceding ranges throughout the respective composite ar ea.

An embodiment 14 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 13, wherein the first surface tension is in a range from 42 to 46 dyne/cm, preferably from 42.5 to 45.5 dyne/cm, more preferably from 43 to 45 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 15 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the second surface tension, and the third surface tension differ from each other by less than 2 dyne/cm, preferably less than 1 dyne/cm, more preferably less than 0.5 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 16 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the second surface tension, and the third surface tension are each in a range from 37 to 41.5 dyne/cm, preferably from 38 to 41 dyne/cm, more preferably from 39 to 41 dyne/cm. An embodiment 17 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the first ink application constitutes a deco ration of a container, the preparation of which the container precursor is designed for.

An embodiment 18 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the blank comprises a multitude groove lines, wherein a closed container is obtainable from the blank by folding the blank along the groove lines and joining parts of the blank with each other. The joining is preferably effected as a sealing.

An embodiment 19 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to any of the embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the container precursor comprises

A) a bottom region which is designed to form a bottom of a closed container

formed from the container precursor, and

B) a top region which is designed to forth a top of the closed container formed

from the container precursor,

wherein the longitudinal scam extends longitudinally from the top region to the bottom region. Preferably, the preceding bottom region comprises groove lines which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines the bottom of the closed container can be formed from the bottom region. Analogously, the preceding top region, preferably, comprises groove lines which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines the top of the closed contain er can be formed from the top region.

An embodiment 20 of the container precursor 1 according to the invention is configured ac cording to the embodiment 19, wherein in the blank third ink application is disposed in the bottom region. Preferably, the second ink application is not disposed in the bottom region.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a container 1, comprising a blank of a sheet-like composite, wherein the blank

a) at least partly encloses an interior volume of the container, and b) comprises as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface of the sheet like composite and proceeding to an inner surface of the sheet-like composite i) a carrier layer, and

ii) a barrier layer;

a. a first ink application,

b. a second ink application, and

c. a part of a first region of a third ink application the third ink application constitut ing a print mark; wherein the blank comprises

a] a first cutting edge in a first edge region of the blank, and

b] a second cutting edge in a further edge region of the blank,

wherein the second cutting edge is opposite the first cutting edge; wherein the first edge region and the further edge region are joined to one another, thereby forming a longitudinal seam of the container; wherein the part of the first region of the third ink application has a distance in a range from more than 0 mm up to 5 mm, preferably from more than 0 mm up to 4 mm, more preferably from more than 0 mm up to 3 mm, even more preferably more than 0 mm up to 2.5 mm. most preferably f more than 0 mm up to 2 mm. from the first cutting edge; wherein each of the second ink application and the part of the first region of the third ink application com prises a crosslinked polymer. In addition to the preceding ranges, it is preferred that the dis tance of the part of the first region of the third ink application is at least 0.5 mm, more prefera bly at least 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, a width of the part of the first region of the third ink application varies in a direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge. Preferably, the width of the part of the first region of the third ink application decreases monotonically, more preferably strictly monotonic, in the direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge. Further preferably, the part of the first region of the third ink application tapers in the direction which is perpendicular to the first cutting edge at an angle in a range from 5 to 20°, more preferably from 6 to 12°, most preferably from 8 to 10°. The container is preferably ob tainable from the container precursor 1 of the invention by closing the container precursor in a top region and a bottom region. In each case, the closing is preferably effected via folding the blank and joining of part regions of the blank to one another

An embodiment 2 of the container 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1, wherein the longitudinal seam extends longitudinally from a top of the contain er to a bottom of the container, wherein the container is closed at the top and at the bottom.

An embodiment 3 of the container 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the interior volume of the container comprises a foodstuff.

An embodiment 4 of the container 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the container comprises at least one edge.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process 1 for preparing the sheet-like composite 1 according to any of its embodiments, the process 1 comprising as process steps

a) provision of a sheet-like composite precursor comprising the carrier layer;

b) partly superimposing the sheet-like composite precursor on a first side with a second ink composition;

c) partly superimposing the sheet-like composite precursor on the first side with a third ink composition,

d) partly superimposing the sheet-like composite precursor on the first side with a fourth ink composition,

e) obtaining

i) the second ink application from the second ink composition,

ii) the third ink application from the third ink composition, and

iii) the fourth ink application from the fourth ink composition;

wherein the process further comprises process steps of

a. partly superimposing the sheet-like composite precursor on the first side with at least one first ink composition, and

b. obtaining the first ink application from the at least one first ink composition; wherein the process further comprises a process step of superimposing a harrier layer onto the carrier layer on a side of the carrier layer which is opposite to the first side. The superimposing steps b) to d) are, preferably, effected by printing, wherein the printing is, preferably, effected as described herein in the context of the further printing method. The superimposing of the step a. is, preferably, effected by printing, wherein this printing is, preferably, effected as de scribed herein in the context of the first printing method.

An embodiment 2 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1, wherein the process steps b) and c) are conducted in at least partial temporal overlap. This means that superimposing with the third ink application starts before superim posing with the second ink application has ended.

An embodiment 3 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the process steps c) and d) are conducted in at least partial tem poral overlap. This means that superimposing with the fourth ink application starts before su perimposing with the third ink application has ended.

An embodiment 4 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in the process step e) obtaining the second ink application from the second ink composition, the third ink application from the third ink composition, and the fourth ink application from the fourth ink composition comprises curing of the second to fourth ink compositions.

An embodiment 5 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 4, wherein in the process step e) curing of the second to fourth ink compositions each comprises a crosslinking reaction, whereby a crosslinked polymer is obtained. A pre ferred crosslinking reaction is a photo-initiated crosslinking reaction.

An embodiment 6 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the process step e) comprises irradiating the second to fourth ink compositions with a radiation, thereby initiating a crosslinking reaction. A preferred radia tion is electromagnetic radiation, more preferably UV-light.

An embodiment 7 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 6, wherein at least in the process steps b) to d) the sheet-like composite precursor moves at a speed in a range from 200 to 1000 m/min, preferably from 250 to 900 m/min, more preferably from 250 to 800 m/min, more preferably from 250 to 700 m/min, most preferably from 300 to 600 m/min.

An embodiment 8 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the in the process step b) the sheet-like composite precursor is superimposed with the second ink composition in a second composite precursor area, where in the in the process step c) the sheet-like composite precursor is superimposed with the third ink composition in a third composite precursor area, wherein the in the process step d) the sheet-like composite precursor is superimposed with the fourth ink composition in a fourth composite precursor area, wherein prior to the process step b) the process comprises a step of adapting a surface tension of the sheet-like composite precursor at the first side at least in the second to fourth composite precursor areas to a value in a range from 42.5 to 46 dyne/cm, preferably from 43 to 46 dyne/cm, more preferably from 43.5 to 46 dyne/cm, more preferably from 44 to 46 dyne/cm, most preferably from 44.5 to 46 dyne/cm.

An embodiment 9 of the process 1 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the adapting comprises one selected from the group consist ing of a flame treatment, a fluorinating, a plasma treatment and a corona treatment or a combi nation of at least two thereof, wherein a corona treatment is particularly preferred.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process 2 for preparing a blank of a sheet-like composite, the process com prising as process steps

A) provision of the sheet-like composite 1 according to any of its embodiments; and

B) separating the second composite region out of the sheet-like composite; wherein the process step B) comprises cutting the sheet-like composite along the first border line, and preferably also cutting along the further borderline, thereby obtaining a first cutting edge.

An embodiment 2 of the process 2 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1, wherein the process 2 is a process for preparing the blank 1 according to any of its embodiments.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a blank 2 obtainable by the process 2 according to any of its embodiments.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process 3 for preparing a container precursor, the process comprising as process steps

a] provision of the blank according to any of the claims 42 to 67 or 103; and b] folding the blank, thereby bringing a first edge region of the blank, comprising

the first cutting edge, and a further edge region of the blank, comprising the second cutting edge, into overlap; and

c] joining the first edge region to the further edge region, thereby obtaining a lon

gitudinal seam.

Prior to the process step c], the process 3, preferably comprises a step of skiving the sheet-like composite on its outer surface in an edge region which comprises either the first cutting edge or the second cutting edge.

An embodiment 2 of the process 3 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1, wherein the process 3 is a process for preparing the container precursor 1 ac cording to any of its embodiments.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process 4 for preparing a closed container, the process comprising as pro cess steps A] provision of the container precursor 1 according to any of its embodiments; and

B] folding the blank and joining part regions of the blank with one another, thereby closing the container precursor in a top region and in a bottom region of the container precursor.

A preferred closed container is a food or drink product container. The closing in the top region in the method step B] preferably comprises sealing, more preferably ultrasound sealing. The closing in the bottom region in the method step B] preferably comprises sealing, more prefera bly hot air sealing.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process 5 comprising as process steps

a} provision of a multitude of blanks 1 or 2 according to any of its embodiments;

b} stacking the blanks, thereby obtaining a stack comprising a side face which is constituted by the first cutting edges of the blanks; and

c} visually inspecting the side face of the stack for the first print mark.

The visual inspection of the step c}, may be effected via an optical instrument, such as a cam era or a scanner, or by naked eye. Preferably, the process 5 is a process for controlling a quali ty of the fourth ink application, more preferably for controlling of a position of the fourth ink application.

An embodiment 2 of the process 5 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 1, wherein the inspecting of the process step c} comprises visually inspecting the side face for the parts of the first regions of the third ink applications of the blanks.

An embodiment 3 of the process 5 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 2, wherein in the process step c} the part of the first region of the third ink appli cation of a blank is found visible, this blank is discarded.

An embodiment 4 of the process 5 according to the invention is configured according to any of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the inspecting of the process step c} comprises visually in- specting the side face for the parts of the further regions of the third ink applications of the blanks.

An embodiment 5 of the process 5 according to the invention is configured according to the embodiment 4, wherein in the process step c) the further region of the third ink applications of a blank is not found visible, this blank is discarded.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use 1 of the sheet-like composite 1, or of the blank 1 or 2, or of the contain er precursor 1, in each case according to any of its embodiments, for producing a, preferably closed, foodstuff container.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use 2 of the container 1 according to any of its embodiments for storing a foodstuff.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use 3 of an ink-jet printer for the superimposing of any of the process steps b) to d) of the process 1 according to any of its embodiments.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use 4 of an ink composition, comprising a crosslinker and an initiator,

A] for obtaining one selected from the group consisting of the second ink applica tion, the third ink application, and the fourth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof, in each case of the sheet-like composite 1 according to any of its embodiments; or

B] as one selected from the group consisting of the second ink composition, the third ink composition, and the fourth ink composition, or a combination of at least two thereof, in each case of the process 1 according to any of its embodi ments. A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use 4 of an inspection system for the visual inspection of the process step c} of the process 5 according to any of its embodiments. A preferred visual inspection system comprises an optical instrument such as camera or a scanner or both. Further, the visual in- spection system preferably comprises a control unit which is designed to control the optical instrument. A preferred control unit is a computer.

Features which are described to he preferred in the context of a category of the invention, in particular according to the sheet-like composite 1 of the invention, are as well preferred in fur ther embodiments of the further categories of the invention.

Numbering of features

Herein, reference to a feature of the invention, in particular to an ink application, a region of an ink application or a part of it region of an ink application, via number does not imply any order of features. Instead, the number is used as a mere label which allows referring to the particular feature. Hence, the presence of a feature which reference is made to by a number greater than 1 does not necessarily imply presence of a feature of lower number. Therefore, the numbers which are used to label the features can be replaced by any other characters as labels, such as letters.

Ink application

Generally, an ink application is a solid material on a surface, wherein the solid material com prises at least one colourant. Therein, the solid material has been obtained from an ink via dry- ing, curing and / or joining the ink to the surface. According to DIN 55943:2001-10, colourant is the collective tern for all colouring substances, especially for dyes and pigments. A pre ferred colourant is a pigment. A preferred pigment is an inorganic pigment or an organic pig ment or both, wherein the organic pigment is particularly preferred. Pigments that are notable in connection with the invention are especially the pigments mentioned in DIN 55943:2001-10 and those mentioned in“Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition” (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Wcinhcim ISBN: 3- 527-30576-9). However, other pigments may be considered as well. For example, the follow ing are further notable suitable pigments:

i. red or magenta pigments: pigment red 3, 5, 19, 22, 31, 38, 43, 48:1, 48:2, 48:3, 48:4,

48:5, 49: 1, 53: 1, 57: 1, 57:2, 58:4, 63: 1, 81, 81 :1, 81 :2, 81 :3, 81 :4, 88, 104, 108, 112, 122, 123, 144, 146, 149, 166, 168, 169, 170, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 208

216, 226, 257, pigment violet 3, 19, 23, 29, 30, 37, 50 and 88

ii. blue or cyan pigments: pigment blue 1, 15, 15: 1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6, 16, 17-1, 22,

27, 28, 29, 36 and 60;

iii. green pigments: pigment green 7, 26, 36 and 50:

iv. yellow pigments: pigment yellow 1, 3, 12, 13, 14, 17, 34, 35, 37, 55, 74, 81, 83, 93, 94,

95, 97, 108, 109, 110, 128, 137, 138, 139, 153, 154, 155, 157, 166, 167, 168, 177,

180, 185 and 193 and

v. white pigments: pigment white 6, 18 and 21.

The first ink application preferably comprises one or more colourants in a total proportion of 1 to 30 % by weight, preferably 3 to 27 % by weight in total, more preferably of 5 to 24 % by weight in total, most preferably of 10 to 20 % by weight in total, based in each case on the weight of first ink application. The first ink application preferably comprises at least 2 colour ants, more preferably at least 3 colourants, more preferably at least 4 colourants, even more preferably at least 5, most preferably at least 6 colourants. In a preferred embodiment, the first ink application comprises exactly 4 colourants or exactly 6 colourants. The preceding colour ants, preferably, refer to different colours. A preferred first ink application is obtainable from the at least one first ink composition, i.e. from one or more ink compositions, via drying, cur ing or joining these ink composition(s) to the sheet-like composite or a precursor thereof. Pref erably, the first ink application is obtainable from at least 2 ink compositions, more preferably at least 3 ink compositions, more preferably at least 4 ink compositions, even more preferably at least 5, most preferably at least 6 ink compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the first ink application is obtainable from exactly 4 ink compositions or exactly 6 ink compositions. The preceding ink compositions, preferably each comprises one of the colourants of different col our of the first ink composition. Furthermore, a preferred first ink application is a decoration or comprises a plurality of decorations, preferably a plurality of identical decorations. Therein, a single decoration, preferably, constitutes the visual pattern repeating unit. Accordingly, the visual pattern of the sheet-like composite is, preferably, formed from a plurality of decorations. A preferred decoration is a decoration of a container, preferably a foodstuff container, to be produced from the sheet-like composite. A preferred decoration comprises information for identification and/or promotion of a foodstuff, preferably the foodstuff to be stored in a con tainer, to be produced from the sheet-like composite. Further preferably, the first ink applica tion comprises a polyvinyl acetal in a proportion of at least 40 % by weight, preferably at least 45 % by weight, more preferably at least 50 % by weight, more preferably at least 55 % by weight, most preferably at least 60 % by weight, based in each case on the weight of the first ink application.

The second, fourth and / or sixth ink applications, preferably, each comprise at least 1 colour ant, or at least 2 colourants, or at least 3 colourants, or at least 4 colourants. The preceding col ourants, preferably, refer to different colours. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sec ond, fourth and / or sixth ink applications each comprise exactly 1 colourant, which is prefera bly a black pigment. An example of a black pigment is soot. Particularly preferred, the second, fourth and / or sixth ink applications comprise the same colourant(s). Preferably, the second and / or fourth ink applications are each obtainable from the ink composition of the same num ber as described herein in the context of the process 1 according to the invention, preferably via drying, curing and / or joining the corresponding ink composition to the sheet-like compo site precursor. Furthermore, a preferred second, fourth and / or sixth ink application forms a plurality of graphic elements of a 2D-code. Preferably, the second, fourth and / or sixth ink application comprises a crosslinked polymer, which is preferably a poly-addition product. Fur ther preferred, the second, fourth and sixth ink application, as far as present, comprise the same crosslinked polymer. The third ink application or the fifth ink application or each of both, preferably, comprises at least 1 colourant, or at least 2 colourants, or at least 3 colourants, or at least 4 colourants. The preceding colourants, preferably, refer to different colours. In a particularly preferred embodi ment, third ink application or the fifth ink application or each of both comprises exactly 1 col ourant, which is preferably a black pigment. Particularly preferred, the third and fifth ink ap plications comprise the same colourant(s). Preferably, the third ink application is obtainable from the third ink composition as described herein in the context of the process 1 according to the invention, preferably via drying, curing and / or joining the third ink composition to the sheet-like composite precursor. Preferably, third ink application or the fifth ink application or each of both comprises a crosslinked polymer, which is preferably a poly-addition product. Further preferred, the third ink application and the fifth ink application comprise the same crosslinked polymer. Moreover, it is preferred that the second through sixth ink applications, as far as present, comprise the same crosslinked polymer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one selected from the group consisting of the first through sixth ink application, or a combination of at least two thereof, particularly preferred all of them, is not superimposed by any layer of the sheet-like composite on a side of the respec tive ink application which faces away from the carrier layer. In that case, the respective ink application is, preferably, an outermost layer of at least a region of the sheet-like composite, i.e. in the region where the respective ink application is present.

Print mark

As the first and further print mark any kind of print mark and any shape which the skilled per son deems appropriate and which is consistent with the mandatory specification of the first and further print marks taught herein come into consideration. In general, print marks are used in the printing industry to control the print's colour, position and quality. The first and further print marks of the invention are, preferably, used to control the position of the second, fourth and / or sixth ink application. The first and further print marks may each have a one-piece de sign, i.e. each consist of a single contiguous area, or a multi-piece design. In case of a multi piece design, the corresponding print mark, preferably, comprises a first and a further part of a first region of the print mark, wherein the first and further part are not contiguous. Further pre- ferred, a print mark of a multi-piece design comprises a first region which is not contiguous with a further region wherein the first region comprises the preceding first and further parts. In the latter case, the print mark comprises at least, preferably exactly, 3 non-contiguous areas.

Visual pattern

As the visual pattern of the invention any graphic pattern which the skilled person deems ap propriate in the context of the invention comes into consideration. Preferably, the visual pat tern consists of a multitude of entities of the visual patter repeating unit. Preferably, the visual pattern repeating unit is the above discussed decoration.

2D-Code

In the context of the invention, the 2D-code may be any 2D-code which the skilled person may consider appropriate in that context. Preferably, the 2D-code comprises a plurality of graphic elements and a plurality of gaps between these graphic elements. Preferred graphic elements are lines, preferably straight lines; rectangles, preferably squares; circles; and dots; and combi nations of these. Further preferably, data may be encoded into the 2D-code along two axes of a 3 -dimensional system of coordinates, hence in 2 dimensions which span a plane. These two axes of the system of coordinates are also referred to as 2 dimensions. In this context the 2D- code is preferably a 2-dimensional reproduction of data in form of the graphic elements, wherein these graphic elements are arranged in a predetermined 2-dimensional area, thereby encoding the data in 2 dimensions. Therein, pieces of information which are stored in the 2 dimensions are preferably independent from each other. In this context, preferred systems of coordinates are a Cartesian system of coordinates and a polar system of coordinates. A pre ferred 2D-code is machine-readable, wherein preferably the 2D-codc is readable by an optoe lectronic sensor. Preferably, the 2D-code is readable by a 2D-code reader. Therein, the 2D- code reader may be a device, having an optoelectronic sensor; or a scanner software; or both. A preferred optoelectronic sensor is a laser scanner or a CCD-camera, for example of a smartphone.

A preferred 2D-code is one selected from the group consisting of a matrix code, a 2D-barcode and a dot-code or a combination of at least two thereof. Therein, a matrix code is particularly preferred. A preferred 2D-barcode comprises a plurality of stacked lD-barcodes. Further pre ferred 2D-barcodes are Codablock, Code 49, Code 16k and PDF417. Preferred matrix codes are Aztec code, Code 1, ColorCode, Color Construct Code, CrontoSign, CyberCode, Data Ma trix, DataGlyphs, Datastrip Code, EZcode, High Capacity Color Barcode, Hax Xin Barcode, HicCode, InterCode, MaxiCode, NexCodc, Qode, QR code, ShotCode, SPARQCode, VOICEYE, wherein QR code and SPARQCode are preferred, wherein QR code is particularly preferred. Preferred dot-codes are Dot Code A, Snowflake ode and BeeTagg. A further pre ferred 2D-code has an area of not more than 40 cm², preferably not more than 30 cm², more preferably not more than 25 cm², even more preferably not more than 20 cm², more preferably not more than 15 cm², more preferably not more than 10 cm², still more preferably not more than 8 cm², most preferably not more than 5 cm².

Polyvinyl acetal

Polyvinyl acetals are thermoplastics which are prepared by reaction of polyvinyl alcohol with aldehydes or ketones. According to the aldehyde used, for example formaldehyde, acetalde hyde or butyraldehyde, a distinction is made between various polyvinyl acetals. Preferred pol yvinyl acetals are polyvinyl formal and polyvinyl butyral. A particularly preferred polyvinyl acetal is polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

Poly-addition product

As poly-addition product of the second through sixth ink applications, all those poly-addition products known to the person skilled in the art which to him seem to be suitable for the sheet like composite according to the invention come into consideration. In contrast to chain polymerisates, monomers of the poly-addition products are able to react with each other to form di-, tri- or oligomers without the need for an initiator which, as with radical polymerisa- tion, starts a reaction of a monomer which then successively reacts with other monomers. The di, tri- or oligomers which are formed at the start of the poly-addition are additionally able to react with each other to form larger units. Typical poly-addition products are polyamides, pol ycarbonates, polyesters, polyphenylenoxides, polysulphones, polyepoxidcs or polyurethanes or a combination of at least two thereof, particularly preferred poly-addition products being those composed at least 50 % by weight, preferably at least 70 % by weight and particularly prefera bly 90 % by weight of polyurethane, in each case based on the poly-addition product. It is fur ther preferred that the corresponding ink application of the second through sixth ink applica tions comprises at least 50 % by weight, preferably at least 70 % by weight and at particularly preferably at least 90 % by weight, in each case based on the weight of the corresponding ink application, of the poly-addition product. However, each of the second through sixth ink appli cations generally comprises no more than 99 % by weight of the poly-addition product in order to be able to comprise further materials as well.

Ink compositions

As the ink compositions of the invention any ink composition which the skilled person knows and deems suitable in the context of the invention comes in to consideration. Preferred ink compositions are liquid or solid, wherein liquid ink compositions are particularly preferred. A preferred solid ink composition is a powder. A preferred liquid ink composition is a solution or a dispersion. A preferred dispersion is a suspension. A preferred suspension comprises pig ment particles as dispersed solid phase.

Each of the at least one first ink compositions, preferably, comprises a polyvinyl acetal, a sol vent and a colourant. Therein, preferably, each first ink composition comprises a colourant of a different colour. The at least one first ink composition comprises, preferably, 1 to 30 % by weight, more preferably 2 to 25 % by weight, most preferably 3 to 20 % by weight, of a poly vinyl acetal, in each case based on the weight of the ink composition. Further, each of the at least one first ink compositions comprises, preferably, 1 to 30 % by weight, more preferably 2 to 25 % by weight, most preferably 3 to 20 % by weight, of a colourant, in each case based on the weight of respective first ink composition. Moreover, each of the first ink compositions comprises, preferably, 10 to 90 % by weight, more preferably 15 to 85 % by weight, most preferably 20 to 80 % by weight, of a solvent, in each case based on the weight of the respec tive first ink composition. Preferred first ink compositions are selected from the group consist ing of an intaglio printing ink, an offset printing ink a gravure printing ink, a rotogravure print ing ink, a flexographic printing ink, a relief printing ink and a flat printing ink or a combina tion of at least two thereof.

One selected from the group consisting of the second to sixth ink compositions, and the further ink composition, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably, comprises at least one, preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 15, most preferably at least 20, crosslinking initiators; at least 2 components which can react with each other, wherein this reaction can preferably be started by at least one of the pre ceding crosslink initiators; a solvent; and a colourant. Preferably, the at least two components are suitable for forming a poly-addition product, preferably a polyurethane. At least one of the crosslinking initiators, preferably a combination of at least two, more preferably all, of the crosslinking initiators, is suitable for initiating the reaction of the at least two components, wherein the reaction is preferably a crosslinking reaction. A preferred crosslinking initiator is a photo-initiator, which may preferably be activated by irradiation with UV-light. Further, it is preferred that one selected from the group consisting of the second to sixth ink compositions, and the further ink composition, or a combination of at least two thereof has a viscosity in the range from 0.05 to 0.3 Pa s and preferably in a range from 0.1 to 0.2 Pa s during applying this ink composition.

Solvent

Materials with a melting point lower than 10 °C are considered as solvent. In principle, all sol vents known to the person skilled in the art and which are suitable for the process according to the invention come into consideration. Polar solvents are preferred. Here, protic and aprotic solvents are suitable, of which aprotic polar solvents are preferred, of which esters and ke tones, acetone for example, are particularly preferred. As ester, above all ethylacetate, N- propylacetate or methoxypropylacetate come into consideration. A preferred solvent is ethanol. Ethanol particularly preferred as solvent for the at least one first ink composition. Borderlines / cutting edges

The borderlines between composite regions of the sheet-like composite referred to in the con text of the invention are, preferably, straight lines. Those lines are, preferably, imaginary, i.e. not drawn or marked in the sheet-like composite. Preferably, a multitude of blanks, each for the production of a single container, can be obtained by cutting the sheet-like composite along the borderlines, thereby obtaining corresponding cutting edges. Accordingly, the cutting edges referred to in the context of the invention are, preferably, straight edges.

Outer surface

The outer surface of the sheet-like composite is a surface of the sheet-like composite which is intended to be in contact with the environment of the container to be produced from the sheet like composite. This does not mean that, in individual regions of the container, outer surfaces of various regions of the composite are not folded against one another or joined to one another, for example sealed to one another.

Inner surface

The inner surface of the sheet-like composite is a surface of the sheet-like composite which is intended to be in contact with the contents of the container, preferably a foodstuff, in a con tainer to be produced from the sheet-like composite.

Print forme

The print forme may also be referred to as print image storage means or printing form or both. A preferred print image storage means is one selected from the group consisting of a print cyl inder, a print roller and a print plate or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred print cylinder is an intaglio print cylinder or a flexographic print cylinder or both. A preferred print roller is an intaglio print roller or a flexographic print roller or both.

Lavers

Unless otherwise stated, the layers in a layer sequence can follow one another indirectly, i.e. with one or at least two intermediate layers, or directly, i.e. without intermediate layer. This is in particular the case with wording wherein there is a layer superimposed on another layer. A Wording wherein a layer sequence includes a list of layers means that at least the stated layers are present in the stated sequence. This wording does not necessarily mean that these layers follow one another directly. Wording wherein two layers are adjoin one another means that these two layers follow one another directly and therefore without intermediate layer.

Carrier layer

Material used as carrier layer can be any suitable material which is known to the person skilled in the art for this purpose and which has strength and stiffness sufficient to provide the container with stability to such an extent that the container in essence retains its shape in the presence of its contents. This document also uses the tern dimensionally stable to describe a container of this type. In particular, bags and containers made of foils without carrier layer are not dimensionally stable. Preferred materials for the carrier layer are not only several plastics but also plant-based fibre materials, in particular chemical pulps, preferably glued, bleached and/or unbleached chemical pulps, particular preference being given here to paper and paperboard. The weight per unit area of the carrier layer is preferably in the range from 120 to 450 g/m², particularly preferably in the range from 130 to 400 g/m² and most preferably in the range from 150 to 380 g/m². A preferred paperboard generally has a single- or multilayer structure and can have been coated on one or both sides with one or more covering layers. The residual moisture content of a preferred paperboard is moreover less than 20% by weight, preferably from 2 to 15% by weight and particularly preferably from 4 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the paperboard. A particularly preferred paperboard has a multilayer structure. It is further preferable that the paperboard has, on the surface facing towards the environment, at least one, but particularly preferably at least two, sublayers of a covering layer known to the person skilled in the art as“paper coating”. The Scott Bond value of a preferred paperboard is moreover in the range from 100 to 360 J/m², preferably from 120 to 350 J/m² and particularly preferably from 135 to 310J/m². Use of the abovementioned rang es allows provision of a composite from which it is easily possible to fold a highly leak- proof container with narrow tolerances. A preferred carrier layer includes on at least one surface, preferably on each of two mutually opposite surfaces, a covering layer. Except where this is expressly excluded, it is preferable that each carrier layer includes a covering layer on each surface. It is preferable that the carrier layer is of one-piece design.

The carrier layer has a bending resistance which can be determined according to the standard ISO 2493:2010 using a bending measurement device. As a bending measurement device an L & W Bending Tester - code 160 of Lorentzen & Wettre, Sweden has been applied in making the present invention. The bending resistance is determined by deflecting the sample by 15°. In a first direction, the carrier layer preferably has a bending resistance in the range from 80 to 550 mN. In the case of a carrier layer having a plurality of fibres, the first direction is preferably a direction of orientation of the fibres. In the field of paper and cardboard making this direction of orientation of fibres is also known as running direction. In a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, a carrier layer having a plurality of fibres further preferably has bending resistance in the range from 20 to 300 mN. Samples used to determine the preceding bending resistances with the bending measurement device mentioned above have a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm. A preferred sheet-like composite having the carrier layer is characterised by a bending resistance in the first direction in the range from 100 to 700 mN. Further preferably, this sheet-like composite has a bending resistance in the second direction in the range from 50 to 500 mN. Therein, the bending resistance measurements of the sheet-like composite have been performed using the same measuring device as mentioned above for the carrier layer. Furthermore, measurement samples of the sheet-like composite also had a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm.

Barrier layer

Material used as barrier layer can be any material which is known for this purpose to the person skilled in the art and which exhibits adequate barrier action in particular in relation to oxygen. It is preferable that the harrier layer is selected from

a. a plastics barrier layer;

b. a metal layer;

c. a metal oxide layer; or d. a combination of at least two of a. to c. It is preferable that the barrier laver is of one-piece design.

If, according to alternative a., a barrier layer is a plastics barrier layer, this preferably includes at least 70% by weight, particularly at least 80% by weight and most preferably at least 95% by weight, of at least one plastic which is known for this purpose to the person skilled in the art, in particular on account of aroma properties or, respectively, gas-harrier properties that are suitable for packaging containers. Plastics, in particular thermoplastics, that can be used here are N- or 0-containing plastics, either as such or else in mixtures of two or more. A melting point of the plastics barrier layer in the range from more than 155 to 300°C, preferably in the range from 160 to 280°C and particularly preferably in the range from 170 to 270°C can prove advantageous according to the invention. A preferred electrically insulating barrier layer is a plastics barrier layer.

It is further preferable that the weight per unit area of the plastics barrier layer is in the range from 2 to 120 g/m², preferably in the range from 3 to 60 g/m², particularly preferably in the range from 4 to 40 g/m² and with further preference from 6 to 30g/m². It is further preferable that the plastics barrier layer can be obtained from melts, for example via extrusion, in particular layer extrusion. It is further preferable that the plastics barrier layer can be introduced into the sheet-like composite by way of lamination. Preference is given here to incorporation of a foil into the sheet-like composite. According to another embodiment it is also possible to select plastics barrier layers which can be obtained via deposition from a solution or dispersion of plastics.

Suitable polymers are preferably those whose weight-average molar mass, determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using light scattering, is in the range from 3 10³ to 1 · 10⁷ g/mol, preferably in the range from 5 10³ to 1 10⁶ g/mol and particularly preferably in the range from 6· 10³ to 1 · 10⁵ g/mol. Suitable polymers that in particular can be used are pol yamide (PA) or polyethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a mixture thereof.

Among the polyamides, it is possible to use any of the PAs that appear to a person skilled in the art to be suitable for the inventive use. Particular mention should he made here of PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12, PA 11 or PA 12 or a mixture of at least two thereof, particular preference being given here to PA 6 and PA 6.6, and further preference being given here to PA 6. PA 6 is obtainable commercially by way of example with the trademark Akulon^®, Du- rethan^® and Ultramid^®. Other suitable materials are amorphous polyamides such as MXD6, Grivory^®, and also Sclar^® PA. It is further preferable that the density of the PA is in the range from 1.01 to 1.40 g/cm³, preferably in the range from 1.05 to 1.30 g/cm³ and particularly preferably in the range from 1.08 to 1.25 g/cm³. It is further preferable that the viscosity number of the PA is in the range from 130 to 185 ml/g and preferably in the range from 140 to 180 ml/g.

EVOH that can be used is any of the EVOHs that appear to the person skilled in the art to be suitable for the inventive use. Examples here are obtainable commercially inter alia with the trademark EVAL™ from EVAL Europe NV, Belgium in a plurality of different embodiments, examples being the grades EVAL™ F104B and EVAL™ LR171B. Preferred EVOHs have at least one, two, a plurality of, or all of, the following properties:

- ethylene content in a range from 20 to 60 mol%, preferably from 25 to 45 mol%;

- density in the range from 1.0 to 1.4 g/cm³, preferably from 1.1 to 1 3g/cm³;

- melting point in the range from above 155 to 235°C, preferably from 165 to 225°C;

- MFR (210°C/2.16 kg if T_M(EVOH)<230^OC; 230°C/2.16 kg, if 210°C<T_M(EVOH)<230^OC) in the range from 1 to 25 g/ 10 min, preferably from 2 to 20 g / 10 min;

- oxygen permeation rate in the range from 0.05 to 3.2 cm³ -20 m m/m² day· atm, preferably in the range from 0.1 to 1 cm³ -20 pm/m²· day atm.

According to alternative h. the barrier layer is a metal layer. A suitable metal layer is in principle any of- the layers using metals which are known to the person skilled in the art and which can provide high impermeability to light and to oxygen. According to a preferred embodiment the metal layer can take the form of a film or of a deposited layer, e.g. after a physical gas-phase deposition process. It is preferable that the metal layer is an uninterrupted layer. According to another preferred embodiment, the thickness of the metal layer is in the range from 3 to 20 um, preferably in the range from 3.5 to 12 pin and particularly preferably in the range from 4 to 10 pm.

Metals preferably selected are aluminium, iron or copper. A preferred iron layer can be a steel layer, e.g. in the form of a foil. It is further preferable that the metal layer is a layer using al uminium. The aluminium layer can advantageously consist of an aluminium alloy, for ex ample AIFeMn, AlFcl.5Mn. AlFeSi or AlFeSiMn. Purity is usually 97.5% or higher, prefer ably 98.5% or higher, based in each case on the entire aluminium layer. In a particular embod iment the metal layer consists of an aluminium foil. The extensibility of suitable aluminium foils is more than 1%, preferably more than 1.3% and particularly preferably more

than 1.5%, and their tensile strength is more than 30 N/mm², preferably more than 40 N/mm² and particularly preferably more than 50 N/mm². Suitable aluminium foils exhibit a droplet size of more than 3 mm in the pipette test, preferably more than 4 mm and particularly preferably more than 5 mm. Suitable alloys for the production of aluminium layers or al uminium foils are obtainable commercially as EN AW 1200, EN AW 8079 or EN AW 8111 from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmhH or Amcor Flexibles Singen GmbH. A preferred electrically conductive barrier layer is a metal barrier layer, particularly preferably an aluminium barrier layer.

When a metal foil is used as barrier layer, there can be an adhesion-promoter layer provided on one or both sides of the metal foil between the metal foil and the closest polymer layer. According to a particular embodiment of the container of the invention, however, there is no adhesion-promoter layer provided on any side of the metal foil between the metal foil and the closest polymer layer.

It is further preferable to select a metal oxide layer as harrier layer according to alternative c. Metal oxide layers that can be used arc any of the metal oxide layers that are familiar to the person skilled in the art and that appear suitable for achieving a barrier effect in relation to light, water vapour and/or gas. In particular, preference is given to metal oxide layers based on the abovementioned metals aluminium, iron or copper and also to metal oxide layers based on compounds of titanium or silicon oxide. A metal oxide layer is produced by way of example via deposition of a metal oxide from a vapour onto a plastics layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film. A preferred process for this is physical gas-phase deposition.

According to another preferred embodiment the metal layer or the metal oxide layer can take the form of a layer composite made of one or more plastics layers with a metal layer. This type of layer can be obtained by way of example via vapour deposition of a metal onto a plastics layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film. A preferred process for this is physical gas- phase deposition.

Polymer layers

The term“polymer layer” refers hereinafter especially to the inner polymer layer, the interme diate polymer layer and the outer polymer layer. A preferred polymer is a polyolefin. The pol ymer layers may have further constituents. The polymer layers are preferably introduced into or applied to the sheet-like composite material in an extrusion method. The further constituents of the polymer layers are preferably constituents that do not adversely affect the behaviour of the polymer melt on application as a layer. The further constituents may, for example, be inor ganic compounds, such as metal salts, or further polymers, such as further thermoplastics. However, it is also conceivable that the further constituents are fillers or pigments, for example carbon black or metal oxides. Suitable thermoplastics for the further constituents especially include those that are readily processible by virtue of good extrusion characteristics. Among these, polymers obtained by chain polymerization are suitable, especially polyesters or poly olefins, particular preference being given to cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polycyclic ole fin copolymers (POCs), especially polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particular prefer ence to polyethylene. Among the polyethylenes, preference is given to HDPE {high densi- typoly ethylene), MDPE {medium density polyethylene ), LDPE {low density polyethylene ), LLDPE {linear low density polyethylene) and VLDPE {very low density polyethylene) and mixtures of at least two of these. It is also possible to use mixtures of at least two thermoplas- tics. Suitable polymer layers have a melt flow rate (MFR) within a range from lto 25 g/10 min, preferably within a range from 2 to 20 g/10 min and more preferably within a range from 2.5 to 15 g/10 min, and a density within a range from 0.890 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, preferably within a range from 0.895 g/cm³ to 0.975 g/cm³, and further preferably within a range from 0.900 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³. The polymer layers preferably have at least one melt ing temperature within a range from 80 to 155°C, preferably within a range from 90 to 145°C and more preferably within a range from 95 to 135°C.

Inner polymer layer

The inner polymer layer is based on thermoplastic polymers, where the inner polymer layer may include a particulate inorganic solid. However, it is preferable that the inner polymer layer comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers to an extent of at least 70% by weight, prefera bly at least 80% by weight and more preferably at least 95% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. Preferably, the polymer or polymer mixture of the inner polymer layer has a density (according to ISO 1183-1 :2004) within a range from 0.900 to 0.980 g /cm³, more preferably within a range from 0.900 to 0.960 g/cm³ and most preferably within a range from 0.900 to 0.940 g/cm³. The polymer is preferably a polyolefin, mPolymer or a combination of the two. The inner polymer layer preferably comprises a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. In this context, a particularly preferred polyethylene is an LDPE. Pref erably, the inner polymer layer includes the polyethylene or the polypropylene or both together in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, most pref erably at least 50% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer lay er. Additionally or alternatively, the inner polymer layer preferably includes an HDPE, prefer ably in a proportional at least 5% by weight, more preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, most preferably at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the aforementioned polymers, the inner polymer layer preferably includes a polymer prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst, preferably an mPE. Preferably, the inner polymer layer includes the mPE in a proportion of at least 3% by weight, more preferably at least 5% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. In this case, the inner polymer layer may include 2 or more, preferably 2 or 3, of the aforementioned polymers in a polymer blend, for example at least a portion of the LDPE and the mPE, or at least a portion of the LDPE and the HDPE. In addition, the inner polymer layer may include 2 or more, prefera bly 3, mutually superposed sublayers which preferably form the inner polymer layer. The sub layers are preferably layers obtained by coextrusion. Preferably, the further adhesion promoter layer adjoins the inner polymer layer. A preferred inner polymer layer is an innermost layer of the sheet-like composite.

In a preferred configuration of the sheet-like composite, the inner polymer layer includes, in a direction from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite to the inner surface of the sheet like composite, a first sublayer including an LDPE in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably of at least 60% by weight, more preferably of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably of at least 80% by weight, most preferably of at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the first sublayer, and a further sublayer including a blend, wherein the blend includes an LDPE in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, preferably of at least 40% by weight, more preferably of at least 50% by weight, even more preferably of at least 60% by weight, most preferably of at least 65% by weight, and an mPE in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably of at least 15% by weight, more preferably of at least 20% by weight, most preferably of at least 25% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the blend. In this case, the further sublayer includes the blend preferably in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably of at least 60% by weight, more preferably of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably of at least 80% by weight, most preferably of at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the further sublayer. More preferably, the further sublayer consists of the blend.

In a further preferred configuration of the sheet-like composite, the inner polymer layer in cludes, in a direction from the outer surface of the sheet-like composite to the inner surface of the sheet-like composite, a first sublayer including an HDPE in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, preferably of at least 40% by weight, more preferably of at least 50% by weight, even more preferably of at least 60% by weight, most preferably of at least 70% by weight, and an LDPE in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably of at least 15% by weight, more preferably of at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the first sublayer; a second sublayer including an LDPE in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably of at least 60% by weight, more preferably of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably of at least 80% by weight, most preferably of at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the second sublayer; and a third sublayer including a blend, wherein the blend in cludes an LDPE in a proportion of at least 30% by weight preferably of at least 40% by weight, more preferably of at least 50% by weight, even more preferably of at least 60% by weight, most preferably of at least 65% by weight, and an mPE in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, preferably of at least 1 5% by weight, more preferably of at least 20% by weight, most preferably of at least 25% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the blend. In this case, the third sublayer includes the blend preferably in a proportion of at least 50% by weight, preferably of at least 60% by weight more preferably of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably of at least 80% by weight, most preferably of at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the third sublayer. More preferably the third sublayer consists of the blend.

Outer polymer layer

The outer polymer layer preferably comprises a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. Pre ferred polyethylenes here are LDPE and HDPE and mixtures of these. A preferred outer poly mer layer comprises an LDPE to an extent of at least 50% by weight preferably to an extent of at least 60% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 70% by weight, still more pref erably to an extent of at least 80% by weight, most preferably to an extent of at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the outer polymer layer. The first through sixth ink applications, preferably, adjoin the outer polymer layer. Therein, the first through sixth ink applications, preferably, adjoin the outer polymer layer on a side of the outer polymer layer which is remote from the carrier layer, or on a side of the outer polymer layer which faces the carrier layer. In the first of the preceding alternatives, the first through sixth ink applications are, preferably, printed onto the outer polymer layer. In the latter of the preceding alternatives, the first through sixth ink applications arc, preferably, printed onto the carrier layer and cov ered by the outer polymer layer as protective layer.

Intermediate polymer layer The intermediate polymer layer preferably has a thickness within a range from 10 to 30 pm, more preferably of 12 to 28 pm. The intermediate polymer layer preferably comprises a poly ethylene or a polypropylene or both. In this context, a particularly preferred polyethylene is an LDPE. Preferably, the intermediate polymer layer includes the polyethylene or the polypropyl ene or both together in a proportion of at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the intermediate polymer layer. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate poly mer layer preferably includes an HDPE, preferably in a proportion of at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 30% by weight, more prefer ably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most preferably at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the intermediate polymer layer. In this context, the intermediate polymer layer includes the afore mentioned polymers preferably in a polymer blend.

Polyolefin

A preferred polyolefin is a polyethylene (PE) or a polypropylene (PP) or both. A preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an LDPE, an LLDPE, and an HDPE, or a combination of at least two of these. A further preferred polyolefin is an mPolyolefm (polyolefin prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst). Suitable polyethylenes have a melt flow rate (MFR = MFI - melt flow index) within a range from 1 to 25 g/10 min, preferably within a range from 2 to 20 g/10 min and especially preferably within a range from 2.5 to 15 g/10 min, and a density within a range from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.935 g/cm³, preferably within a range from 0.912 g/cm³ to 0.932 g/cm³, and further preferably within a range from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³. mPolymer An mPolymer is a polymer which has been prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst. A metallocene is an organometallic compound in which a central metal atom is arranged between two organic ligands, for example cyclopentadienyl ligands. A preferred mPolymer is an mPol- yolefin, preferably an mPolycthylene or an mPoly propylene or both. A preferred mPolyeth- ylene is one selected from the group consisting of an mLDPE, an mLLDPE, and an mHDPE, or a combination of at least two of these.

Melting temperatures

A preferred mPolyolefm is characterized by at least one first melting temperature and a second melting temperature. Preferably, the mPolyolefm is characterized by a third melting tempera ture in addition to the first and second melting temperature. A preferred first melting tempera ture is within a range from 84 to 108 °C, preferably from 89 to 103 °C, more preferably from 94 to 98°C. A preferred further melting temperature is within a range from 100 to 124 °C, preferably from 105 to 119 °C, more preferably from 110 to 114 °C.

Adhesion/adhesion-promoter layer

There can be an adhesion-promoter laver located between layers of the sheet-like composite which do not adjoin each other. In particular, there can be an adhesion -promoter layer located between the barrier layer and the inner polymer layer or the carrier layer and the barrier layer. Plastics which can be used as adhesion promoters in an adhesion-promoter layer are any of those which, by virtue of functionalisation by means of suitable functional groups, are suitable to produce a secure bond via formation of ionic bonds or covalent bonds to a surface of a respective adjacent layer. The materials are preferably functionalised polyolefins obtained via copolymerisation of ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylate derivatives or carboxylic anhydrides containing double bonds, for example maleic anhydride, or at least two thereof. Among these, preference is given to polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymers (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA), which are marketed by way of example with the trademarks Bynel^® and Nucrel^®0609HSA by DuPont or Escor^®6000ExCo by ExxonMobil Chemicals. According to the invention it is preferable that the adhesion between a carrier layer, a polymer layer or a barrier layer and the respective closest layer is at least 0.5 N/15 mm, preferably at least 0.7 N/15 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.8 N/15 mm. In an embodiment of the invention it is preferable that the adhesion between a polymer layer and a carrier layer is at least 0.3 N/15 mm, preferably at least 0.5 N/15 mm and particularly preferably at least 0.7 N/15 mm. It is further preferable that the adhesion between a barrier layer and a polymer layer is at least 0.8 N/15 mm, preferably at least 1.0 N/15 mm and particularly preferably at least 1.4 N/15 mm. In the event that a barrier layer follows a polymer layer indirectly by way of an adhesion-promoter layer it is preferable that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the adhesion-promoter layer is at least 1.8 N/15 mm, preferably at least 2.2 N/15 mm and par ticularly preferably at least 2.8 N/15 mm. In a particular embodiment the adhesion between the individual layers is so strong that the adhesion test leads to tearing of a carrier layer, the term used in the event of cardboard as carrier layer being cardboard fibre tear.

Extrusion

In the extrusion, the polymers are typically heated to temperatures of 210 to 350 °C, measured at the molten polymer film beneath the exit from the extruder die. The extrusion can be effect ed by means of extrusion tools which are known to those skilled in the art and are commercial ly available, for example extruders, extruder screws, feed blocks, etc. At the end of the extrud er, there is preferably an opening through which the polymer melt is pressed. The opening may have any shape that allows extrusion of the polymer melt. For example, the opening may be angular, oval or round. The opening is preferably in the form of a slot of a funnel. Once the melt layer has been applied to the substrate layer by means of the above-described method, the melt layer is left to cool down for the purpose of heat-setting, this cooling preferably being effected by quenching via contact with a surface which is kept at a temperature within a range from 5 to 50°C, especially preferably within a range from 10 to 30°C. Subsequently, at least the flanks are separated off from the surface. The separation may be carried out in any way that is familiar and appears suitable to a person skilled in the art for separating the flanks quickly, as precisely as possible and cleanly. Preferably, the separation is effected by means of a knife, laser beam or waterjet, or a combination of two or more thereof, the use of knives being espe cially preferable, especially a circular knife. Lamination

According to the invention, the carrier layer can be overlaid by the barrier layer by lamination. In this case, the prefabricated carrier and barrier layers are joined with the aid of a suitable laminating agent. A preferred laminating agent comprises an intermediate polymer composi tion from which a intermediate polymer layer is preferably obtained. In addition, the preferred laminating agent preferably includes the adhesion promoter composition A from which the first adhesion promoter layer is obtained. In this case, the intermediate polymer composition or the adhesion promoter composition A or both are preferably applied by extrusion, more prefer ably by coextrusion.

Folding of the sheet-like composite

The folding of the sheet-like composite is preferably performed in a temperature range from 10 to 50 °C, preferably in a range from 15 to 45 °C and especially preferably in a range from 20 to 40 °C. This can be achieved by the sheet-like composite being at a temperature in the afore mentioned ranges. It is also preferred that a folding tool, preferably together with the sheet-like composite, is at a temperature in the aforementioned range. For this purpose, the folding tool preferably does not have a heating means. Rather, the folding tool or else the sheet-like com posite or both may be cooled. It is also preferred that the folding is performed at a temperature of at most 50 °C, as“cold folding”, and the joining takes place at above 50 °C, preferably above 80°C and especially preferably above 120°C, as “hot scaling”. The aforementioned conditions, and especially temperatures, preferably also apply in the environment of the fold ing, for example in the housing of the folding tool.

“Folding” is understood here as meaning, according to the invention, an operation in which an elongated crease, forming an angle, is made in the folded sheet-like composite, preferably by means of a folding edge of a folding tool. For this purpose, often two adjoining faces of a sheet-like composite are bent increasingly towards one another. The folding produces at least two adjoining fold faces that can then be joined at least in sub-regions to form a container re gion. According to the invention, the joining can be performed by any measure which appears suitable to the person skilled in the art and which allows for a join that is as gas- and liquid- tight as possible. The joining can be performed by sealing or adhesive bonding or a combina- tion of the two measures. In the case of sealing, the join is created by means of a liquid and the solidification thereof. In the case of adhesive bonding, chemical bonds form between the inter faces or surfaces of the two articles to be joined and create the join. It is often advantageous in the case of sealing or adhesive bonding to press together the faces that are to be sealed or ad hesively bonded.

Joining

A useful joining method is any joining method that seems suitable to the person skilled in the art for use of the invention, by means of which a sufficiently fine join can be obtained. A pre ferred joining method is any selected from the group consisting of sealing, adhesive bonding and pressing, or a combination of at least two of these. In the case of sealing, the join is created by means of a liquid and the solidification thereof. In the case of adhesive bonding, chemical bonds form between the interfaces or surfaces of the two articles to be joined and create the join. It is often advantageous in the case of sealing or adhesive bonding to press together the faces that are to be sealed or adhesively bonded. A preferred pressing method of at least two layers is compression of a first surface of a first of the two layers on to a second surface of the second of the two layers that faces the first surface across at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, of the first surface. A particularly preferred joining method is sealing. A preferred sealing method comprises, as steps, heating, overlaying and pressing, the steps preferably being effected in this sequence. Another sequence is likewise conceivable, especially the sequence of laying, heating and pressing. A preferred heating method is heating of a polymer layer, preferably a thermoplastic layer, more preferably a polyethylene layer or a polypropylene layer or both. A further preferred heating method is heating of a polyethylene layer to a temperature within a range from 80 to 140 °C, more preferably from 90 to 130 °C, most preferably from 100 to 120 °C. A further preferred heating method is heating of a poly propylene layer to a temperature within a range from 120 to 200 °C, more preferably from 130 to 180 °C, most preferably from 140 to 170 °C. A further preferred heating method is effected to a sealing temperature of the polymer layer. A preferred heating method can be effected by means of radiation, by means of hot gas, by means of contact with a hot solid, by means of mechanical vibrations, preferably by means of ultrasound, by convection, or by means of a combination of at least two of these measures. A particularly preferred heating method is ef fected by inducement of an ultrasound vibration.

In the case of irradiation, any type of radiation suitable to the person skilled in the art for sof tening of the plastics of the polymer layers present is useful. Preferred types of radiation are IR and UV rays, and microwaves. In the case of the IR rays that are also used for IR welding of sheet-like composites, wavelength ranges of 0.7 to 5 pm should he mentioned. In addition, it is possible to use laser beams within the wavelength range from 0.6 to less than 1.6 pm. In con nection with the use of IR rays, these are generated by various suitable sources that are known to the person skilled in the art. Short-wave radiation sources in the range from 1 to 1.6 pm are preferably halogen sources. Medium-wave radiation sources within the range from > 1.6 to 3.5 pm are, for example, metal foil sources. Long-wave radiation sources in the range of > 3.5 pm that are frequently used are quartz sources. Lasers are being used ever more frequent ly. For instance, diode lasers within the wavelength range from 0.8 to 1pm, Nd:YAG lasers at about 1 pm and CO2 lasers at about 10.6 pm are in use. High-frequency techniques with a fre quency range from 10 to 45 MHz, frequently within a power range from 0.1 to 100 kW, are also in use.

In the case of ultrasound, the following treatment parameters are preferred:

PI a frequency within a range from 5 to 100 kHz, preferably within a range from 10 to 50 kHz and more preferably within a range from 15 to 40 kHz;

P2 an amplitude within a range from 2 to 100 pm, preferably within a range from 5 to 70 pm and particularly preferable within a range from 10 to 50 pm;

P3 an oscillation time (being the period of time within which an oscillation body such as a sonotrodc or inductor has a contact oscillation effect on the sheet-like composite) with in a range from 50 to 1000 ms, preferably within a range from 100 to 600 ms and par ticularly preferable within a range from 150 to 300 ms. In suitable selection of the radiation and oscillation conditions, it is advantageous to take ac count of the intrinsic resonances of the plastic and to select frequencies close to these.

Heating via contact with a solid can be effected, for example, by means of a heating plate or heating mould in direct contact with the sheet-like composite, which releases the heat to the sheet-like composite.

The hot gas, preferably hot air, can be directed onto the sheet-like composite by means of suit able blowers, exit openings or nozzles, or a combination of these. Frequently, contact heating and the hot gas are used simultaneously. For example, a holding device for a container precur sor formed from the sheet-like composite, through which hot gas flows and which is heated as a result and releases the hot gas through suitable openings, can heat the sheet-like composite through contact with the wall of the holding device and the hot gas. In addition, the container precursor can also be heated by fixing the container precursor with a container precursor hold er and directing the flow from one or two or more hot gas nozzles provided in the container precursor holder onto the regions of the container precursor that are to be heated.

Food or drink product

In the context of the invention, the sheet-like composite and the container precursor are prefer ably designed for production of a food or drink product container. In addition, the closed con tainer according to the invention is preferably a food or drink product container. Food and drink products include all kinds of food and drink known to those skilled in the art for human consumption and also animal feeds. Preferred food and drink products are liquid above 5 ° C, for example milk products, soups, sauces, non-carbonated drinks.

Container precursor

A container precursor is a precursor of a, preferably closed, container which arises in the course of production of the container. In this context, the container precursor comprises the sheet-like composite preferably in the form of a blank. In this context, the sheet-like composite may be in an unfolded or folded state. A preferred container precursor has been cut to size and is designed for production of a single, preferably closed, container. A preferred container pre- cursor which has been cut to size and is designed for production of a single, preferably closed, container is also referred to as a shell or sleeve. In this context, the shell or sleeve comprises the sheet-like composite in folded form. In addition, the container precursor preferably takes the form of an outer shell of a prism. A preferred prism is a cuboid. Moreover, the shell or sleeve comprises a longitudinal seam and is open in a top region and a base region. On the other hand, a typical container precursor which is designed for production of a multitude of, preferably closed, containers is often referred to as a tube. Preferably, the container precursor comprises the sheet-like composite in such a way that the sheet-like composite has been folded at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably at least 3 times, most preferably at least 4 times. A preferred container precursor is in one-piece form. More preferably, a base region of the container precursor is in a one-piece design with a lateral region of the container precur sor.

Container

The, preferably closed, container according to the invention may have a multitude of different forms, but preference is given to an essentially cuboidal structure. In addition, the full area of the container may be formed from the sheet-like composite, or it may have a two-part or mul tipart construction. In the case of a multipart construction, it is conceivable that, as well as the sheet-like composite, other materials are also used, for example plastic, which can be used especially in the top or base regions of the container. In this context, however, it is preferable that the container is formed from the sheet-like composite to an extent of at least 50%, espe cially preferably to an extent of at least 70% and further preferably to an extent of at least 90% of the area. In addition, the container may have a device for emptying the contents. This may be formed, for example, from a polymer or mixture of polymers and be attached on the outer surface of the container. It is also conceivable that this device has been integrated into the con tainer by“direct injection moulding" . In a preferred configuration, the container according to the invention has at least one edge, preferably from 4 to 22 or else more edges, especially pref erably from 7 to 12 edges. Edges in the context of the present invention are understood to mean regions which arise in the folding of a surface. Examples of edges include the longitudi nal contact regions between two wall surfaces of the container in each case, also referred to as longitudinal edges herein. In the container, the container walls are preferably the surfaces of the container framed by the edges. Preferably, the interior of a container according to the in vention comprises a food or drink product. Preferably, the closed container does not comprise any lid or base, or either, that has not been formed in one piece with the sheet-like composite. A preferred closed container comprises a food or drink product.

Hole

The at least one hole that is provided in the carrier layer according to preferred embodiments may have any shape that is known to a person skilled in the art and suitable for various clo sures or drinking straws. In the context of the invention, particular preference is given to a hole for passage of a drinking straw. The holes often have rounded portions in plan view. Thus, the holes may he essentially circular, oval, elliptical or drop-shaped. The shape of the at least one hole in the carrier layer usually also predetermines the shape of the opening that is produced either by an openable closure which is connected to the container and through which the con tent of the container is dispensed from the container after opening, or by a drinking straw in the container. Consequently, the openings of the opened container often have shapes that are comparable to or even the same as the at least one hole in the carrier layer. Configurations of the sheet-like composite with a single hole primarily serve for letting out the food or drink product located in the container that is produced from the sheet-like composite. A further hole may be provided, especially for letting air into the container while the food or drink product is being let out.

In the context of covering the at least one hole of the carrier layer, it is preferred that the holecovering layers are at least partly joined to one another, preferably to an extent of at least 30%, preferably at least 70% and especially preferably at least 90%, of the area formed by the at least one hole. It is also preferred that the hole-covering layers are joined to one another at the edges of the at least one hole and preferably lie against the edges in a joined manner, in order in this way to achieve an improved leak-tightness via a join that extends across the entire area of the hole. The hole-covering layers are often joined to one another across the region that is formed by the at least one hole in the carrier layer. This leads to a good leak-tightness of the container formed from the composite, and consequently to a desired long shelf life of the food or drink products kept in the container. Preferably, the at least one hole has a diameter within a range from 3 to 30 mm, more preferably from 3 to 25 mm, more preferably from 3 to 20 mm, more preferably from 3 to 15 mm, most preferably from 3 to 10 mm. In this case, the diameter of the hole is the length of the longest straight line which begins and ends at the edge of the hole and runs through the geometric centre of the hole.

Opening / opening aid

The opening of the container is usually brought about by at least partially destroying the hole covering layers that cover the at least one hole. This destruction can be effected by cutting, pressing into the container or pulling out of the container. The destruction can be effected by means of an opening aid which is joined to the container and is arranged in the region of the at least one hole, usually above the at least one hole, for example also by a drinking straw which is pushed through the hole-covering layers. It is also preferred in a configuration according to the invention that an opening aid is provided in the region of the at least one hole. It is pre ferred here that the opening aid is provided on the surface area of the composite that represents the outer surface of the container. The container also preferably comprises a closure, for exam ple a lid, on the outer surface of the container. It is in this case preferred that the closure covers the hole at least partially, preferably completely. Consequently, the closure protects the hole covering layers, which are less robust in comparison with the regions outside the at least one hole, from damaging mechanical effects. For opening the hole-covering layers that cover the at least one hole, the closure often comprises the opening aid. Suitable as such an opening aid are for example hooks for tearing out at least part of the hole-covering layers, edges or cutting edges for cutting into the hole-covering layers or spikes for puncturing the hole-covering lay ers, or a combination of at least two of these. These opening aids are often mechanically cou pled to a screw lid or a cap of the closure, for example by way of a hinge, so that the opening aids act on the hole-covering layers to open the closed container when the screw lid or the cap is actuated. Closure systems of this kind, comprising composite layers covering a hole, opena- ble closures that cover this hole and have opening aids, are sometimes referred to in the spe cialist literature as“overcoated holes” with“applied fitments”.

Process steps Herein, the process steps of a list of consecutively labelled process steps are conducted in the order given by the consecutive labelling. If not given otherwise, respecting the given order, the process steps may overlap in time, be conducted simultaneously, or one after the other. Where a process comprises steps of a second list of process steps, the steps of the second list may be conducted at any suitable stage of the process, i.e. prior to, after, in temporal overlap, or simul taneously to any of the process steps of the first list.

TEST METHODS

The following test methods were used for the purposes of the invention. Unless otherwise stat ed the measurements were made at ambient temperature 25°C, ambient air pressure 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and relative humidity 50%.

MFR value

The MFR is measured in accordance with the standard ISO 1133-1 :2012-03 (unless otherwise stated at 190°C with 2.16 kg).

Density

Density is measured in accordance with the standard ISO 1183-1 :2012-05.

Melting point

Melting point is determined according to the DSC method of ISO 11357-1 and -5. The equipment is calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions with reference to the following measurements:

- indium temperature - onset temperature,

- enthalpy of fusion of indium,

- zinc temperature - onset temperature.

Viscosity number of PA

The viscosity number of PA is measured in accordance with the standard ISO 307 in 95% sulphuric acid. Oxygen permeation rate

Oxygen permeation rate is determined in accordance with the standard ISO 14663-2 Annex C at 20°C and 65% relative humidity.

Paperboard moisture content

Paperboard moisture content is measured in accordance with the standard ISO 287:2009.

Adhesion of layers

acetal between two adjacent layers is determined by fixing these onto 90° peel test equipment, for example a 'Geman rotating wheel fixture" from Instron, on a rotating roll which rotates at 40 mm/min during the measurement. The samples were cut to size in advance, into strips of width 15 mm. At one side of the sample the sublayers are separated from one another, and the separated end is clamped into a vertically upwards oriented tensile apparatus. The tensile apparatus has attached measurement equipment for determining the tensile force. During the rotation of the roll, the force required to separate the sublayers from one another is measured. This force corresponds to the adhesion between the layers, and is stated in N/15 mm. The sep aration of the individual layers can be achieved by way of example mechanically, or via a spe cific pre-treatment, for example via softening of the sample for 3 min in 30% acetic acid at 60°C.

Molecular weight distribution

Molecular weight distribution is measured by gel permeation chromatography, using light scat tering: ISO 16014-3/-5.

Detection of colourants

Detection of organic colourants can be conducted in accordance with the methods described in “Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition” (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © 2004 WILEY- VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: 3-527-30576-9).

Surface coverage Surface coverage is a measure of covering an area of colour appears to the normal observer. The surface coverage may be calculated using the equation of Murray-Davis. All values of surface coverage disclosed in this document have been measured with a spectral photometer (SpectroEye™) of the firm X-Rite (8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland).

Surface tension

In order to determine a surface tension of a polymer layer and/or of an outer surface, first a contact angle of wetting with water (..water contact angle") is determined according to the standard ATSM D5946 - 09. Therein, samples of dimension 30 mm x 35 mm are cut from the laminate using a scalpel. 10 measurements are performed at each sample, from which the arithmetic mean is calculated. The samples are prepared as given in section 10.2 of the stand ard. Further, measurement conditions are chosen in accordance with section 10.4 of this stand ard. Using the arithmetic mean of the measured water contact angle, the surface tension in dyne/cm (dyne/cm = mN/m) is read from table X2.1 of the annex X2 of the standard.

Symbol contrast

The symbol contrast of the 2D-code is determined according to the standard ISO/IEC 15415 : 2011(E).

Unused error correction parameter

The unused error correction parameter t of the 2D-code is determined according to the stand ard ISO/IEC 15415 : 2011 (E).

Axial non-uniformity

The axial non-uniformity of the 2D-code is determined according to the standard ISO/IEC 15415 : 2011(E).

The invention is described in more detail below via examples and drawings, wherein the ex amples and drawings do not imply any restriction of the invention. The drawings are moreover diagrammatic and not true to scale. For the examples according to the invention laminates with the following layer sequence were produced by means of an extrusion coating system which is standard in laminar extrusion pro cesses.

Table 1 : layer sequence used in the examples below

Laminate production

Laminates consisting of the layers given in table 1 above are produced applying an extrusion coating system of the firth Davis Standard. Therein, the extrusion temperature is in the range from about 280 to 310 °C. In a first step, one hole for each container to be produced from the laminate is introduced into the web-type carrier layer by die cutting. Subsequently, the outer polymer layer is applied to the carrier layer, thereby covering the holes. In a following step, the barrier layer is applied to the carrier layer together with the intermediate polymer layer. Subse quently, the adhesion promoter layer and the inner polymer layer are co-extruded onto the bar rier layer. In order to allow for applying of the several polymer layers, the polymers are molten in an extruder. The obtained polymer melt is fed via a feed block into a nozzle and from there extruded to the substrate.

The web-type laminates obtained as described above arc further processed as follows. First the surface of the outer polymer layer which is facing away from the carrier layer is corona treat ed. For the corona treatment a device AVE-250E of the firm AFS Entwicklungs- und Vertricbs GmbH, Germany is used. Power and voltage of the corona treatment are adjusted to obtain a surface tension after the corona treatment of 40 dyne/cm. Therein, the surface tension needs to be measured immediately after this first corona treatment as the surface tension which has been increased by the treatment may decrease again over time, usually on a scale of several days. In a next step, immediately after the first corona treatment a pattern of a container deco ration as repeating unit is printed by intaglio printing onto the outer polymer layer. In the pat tern, the container decoration is repeated along the length of the web-type laminate, wherein consecutive decorations adjoin one another at a borderline. For the pattern of decorations, 4 printing inks - each of the type VB67 from Sicgwerk Druckfarben AG, Siegburg, Germany, and each ink of a different colour of a four-colour-print system - are printed onto the outer pol ymer layer. Therein, each ink is printed by a standard intaglio printing unit of the firm Kochsiek, Germany. After each printing the printed ink is dried in a stream of air for 1 minute at 60 °C. Thus, a four-colour print decoration is obtained.

In the above printing process, an area of the size of 3 cm X 3 cm within each of the container decorations has been left unprinted. In a next step, a second corona treatment is applied to the outer surface of the laminate, which is has been partially printed previously. Power and voltage of the second corona treatment are adjusted to obtain a surface tension after the second corona treatment of 46 dyne/cm. Therein, again the surface tension needs to be measured immediately after the corona treatment. Immediately after the second corona treatment, QR-codes are print ed via an inkjet printer by Konika Minolta of the firm Industrial Inkjet Ltd., Great Britain onto the unprinted areas of each of the container decorations. Further, print marks of one of the types shown in the figures 3a) to 3c) are printed at the borderlines between the container deco rations. Here, QR-codes and print marks which follow one another along the length of the web-type laminate are printed in temporal overlap. That means while the previous QR-code is still being printed by a print head of the inkjet printer in a line-by-line manner a further print head already starts to print the consecutive print mark. While this print mark is still being printed, the printer already starts to print the next QR-code and so forth. The preceding meas ure, ensures a constant distance between print marks and QR-code. Hence, later on the print marks can be used to check if the QR-codes have been printed at the exactly correct position. For the QR-codcs and the print marks, black ink of the type Sunjet ULM from Sun Chemical, USA is used. In a next step, the inkjet-printed ink is cured by irradiation with UV-light.

The printed laminates are grooved, thereby obtaining groove lines in the laminates. In particu lar, longitudinal groove lines are introduced. A scheme of a web-type laminate obtained at this stage is shown in figure 2. In the figure, however, the holes in the carrier layer are not shown. Further, the laminates are cut into blanks, wherein each blank is suitable for producing a single container from it. The cutting is effected along the borderlines at which the container decora tions adjoin one another. Accordingly, blanks which each comprise one of the holes mentioned above and one of the QR-codes are obtained. Further, each blank comprises part of a print mark at each of its longitudinal cutting edges. A scheme of an exemplary blank is shown in figure 4 (again holes not shown). Print quality control

The blanks obtained from the same laminate are piled up to a stack for print quality control (see figures 12a) to c)). In the stack, all the blanks are oriented in the same way such that at opposing sides of the stack opposing cutting edges of the blank lie on top of one another and top regions of the blanks lie on top of one another. One of these side walls is checked by naked eye for black lines running in the direction of the height of the stack. Such lines may be caused from parts of the print marks of the blanks which touch the cutting edges forming the side wall of the stack. If a single such line is present continuously from the top of the stack to its bottom, the stack passes the test (figure 12a)). If this line is not present (figure 12c)) or shows an inter ruption, the stack does not pass the test. The blanks are discarded as this means that at least some of the blanks have not been printed with print marks and thus, QR-codes. If from the top of the stack to its bottom at least partially two parallel black lines are visible (figure 12b)), the stack does not pass the test. The blanks of this stack are discarded. This is because at least some of the print marks and thus, at least some of the QR-codes have not been printed at the exactly correct position. The exact position of the QR-code is, however, important for auto matic scanning of the code. Moreover, the QR-codes have to be printed exactly into the 3 cm x 3 cm-windows left unprinted in the printing of the decorations in order to avoid overlapping of a decoration with a QR-code which might hamper reading of the QR-code. The above visual quality control can also be implemented in an automatic manner using a camera and a compu ter with suitable scanning software.

Container production

Only blanks which passed the above quality control are processes further as described below. The blanks are skived at one of their longitudinal edge regions, thereby removing any printing and the outer polymer layer in that region. Further, the thickness of the carrier layer is de creased in that region by the skiving. The skiving is effected using a skiving mechanism Model VN 50 from Fortuna Spezialmaschinen GmbH, Well der Stadt, Germany. The skived region is folded back onto itself in order to obtain an edge of the blank which is protected against mois ture, i.e. in which the carrier layer is not exposed to moisture. Then a container precursor in form of a sleeve as shown in figure 5 is obtained by folding along the 4 longitudinal groove lines and sealing of overlapping fold areas onto each other, thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam. From this container precursor, a closed container as shown in figure 6 (“brick-type”) is formed using a standard filling machine CFA 712 of SIG Combibloc, Linnich, Germany. Therein, a bottom is formed by folding and closed by heat sealing. Thus, a cup with an open top region is obtained. The cup is sterilised using hydrogen peroxide. Further, the cup is filled with long-life milk. By further folding and ultrasound sealing the top region of the cup, having the hole, is closed and thus, a top of the container is obtained. Moreover, a closed and filled container is obtained. Further, an opening aid is attached to the container, covering the hole.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic cross section through a sheetlike composite of the

invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic top view of the sheetlike composite of figure 1;

Figure 3 a) is a diagram of a print mark of the invention;

Figure 3b) is a diagram of another print mark of the invention;

Figure 3 c) is a diagram of another print mark of the invention;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic top view of a blank of the invention;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a container precursor of the invention;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a closed container of the invention;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a process of the invention for preparing a sheet-like composite;

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a process of the invention for preparing a blank;

Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a process of the invention for preparing a container precursor;

Figure 10 is a flow diagram of a process of the invention for preparing a closed

container;

Figure 11 is a flow diagram of a process of the invention for controlling a quality of a print; Figure 12a) is an illustration of the process of figure 11;

Figure 12b) is a further illustration of the process of figure 11; and

Figure 12c) is a further illustration of the process of figure 11.

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a sheetlike composite 100 of the inven tion. The same sheet-like composite 100 is shown in figure 2 in a top view. The orientating of the cross section of figure 1 is depicted in figure 2 by dash-dotted line 201. The sheet-like composite 100 comprises an outer surface 101 and an inner surface 102. In a direction from the outer surface 101 to the inner surface 102, the sheet-like composite 100 comprises as layers of a layer sequence: an outer polymer layer 104 made of LDPE 19N430 of the firm Ineos GmhH, Cologne (grammage 15 g/m²); a carrier layer 105 made of a cardboard Stora Enso Natura T Duplex with double coating layer (Scott-Bond 200 J/m², residual moisture 7.5 %, grammage 210 g/m²); an intermediate polymer layer 106 made of LDPE 19N430 of Incos GmbH, Co logne (grammage 18 g/m²); a barrier layer 107 made of an aluminium foil EN AW 8079 of Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH (thickness 6 pm); an adhesion promoter layer 108 made of a co-extrudate of Escor 6000 HSC of the Exxon Mobil Corporation (grammage 4 g/m²) and LDPE 19N430 of Ineos GmbH, Cologne (grammage 22 g/m²); and an inner polymer layer 109 made of a blend from 65 % by weight LDPE 19N430 of Ineos Cologne GmbH and

35 % by weight Eltex 1315 AZ of Ineos Cologne GmbH (grammage of the blend 10 g/m2). Further, in the cross section shown in figure 1, apart from the flanks of the sheet-like compo site 100, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a first ink application 103. Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic top view of the sheetlike composite 100 of figure 1. Line 201 defines the orientation of the cross section of figure 1 through the web-type sheet-like compo site 100. The top view of figure 2 is on the outer surface 101 of the sheet-like composite 100. On its outer side, the outer polymer layer 104 is partially printed with the first ink application 103 which constitutes a visual pattern, having a visual pattern repeating unit 202. The visual pattern repeating unit 202 is a decoration of a foodstuff container. The web-type sheet-like composite 100 comprises a multitude of composite regions which each comprise an entity of the visual pattern repeating unit 202. Of the multitude, figure 2 shows a first composite region 203, a second composite region 204 and a third composite region 205. The first 203 and sec- ond 204 composite regions adjoin one another at a first borderline 206. The second 204 and third 205 composite regions adjoin one another at a further borderline 207. In the first compo site region 203, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a second ink application 208 and a first part 303 of a first region 301 of a third ink application 209. Details of the third ink appli cation and its position with respect to the first borderline 206 are shown in figure 3a). The third ink application 209 constitutes a first print mark. The second ink application 208 is a QR-code. In the second composite region 204, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a fourth ink application 210 and a further part 304 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209.

The first part 303 and the further part 304 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209 are spaced apart from one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the first border line 206 which also runs through between the first part 303 and the further part 304 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209. The fourth ink application 210 is another QR-code. Further, the third ink application 209 comprises a further region 302 which is displaced from the first region 301 in a direction along the first borderline 206. The further region 302 of the third ink application 209 runs across the first borderline 206. Details of this are provided in figure 3a). The third composite region 205 and the second composite region 204 adjoin one another at the further borderline 207. In the second composite region 204, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a first part of a first region of a fifth ink application 211, the fifth ink application 211 constituting a further print mark. In the third composite region 205, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a sixth ink application 212 which is another QR-code, and a further part of the first region of the fifth ink application 211. The first part and the further part of the first region of the fifth ink application 21 1 are spaced apart from one another in a direc tion which is perpendicular to the further borderline 207, which runs through between the first part and the further part of the first region of the fifth ink application 211. The fifth ink appli cation 211, as well, comprises a further region which is displaced from the first region in a direction along the further borderline 207. The further region of the fifth ink application 211 runs across the further borderline 211. The fifth ink application 21 1 is identical to the third ink application 209. Further, the sheet-like composite 100 comprises a pattern of groove lines 215, wherein the pattern of groove lines 215 comprises a groove line pattern repeating unit, wherein each composite region of the Multitude of composite regions comprises an entity of the groove line pattern repeating unit, wherein the groove line pattern repeating unit is designed such that a closed container 600 can he formed from each composite region of the multitude of compo site regions by separating the composite region out of the sheet-like composite, folding the composite region along the groove lines of an entity of the groove line pattern repeating unit and joining parts of the composite region with each other. The joining may be effected as a sealing. The groove lines 215 comprise longitudinal groove lines 216. Further, each composite region comprises a bottom region 214 which is designed to form a bottom 604of a closed con tainer 600 formed from the composite region, and a top region 213 which is designed to form a top 603 of the closed container 600 formed from the composite region. The bottom regions 214 of the first composite region 203 and the second composite region 204 adjoin at the first borderline 206, wherein top regions 213 of the first composite region 203 and the second com posite region 204 adjoin at the first borderline 206 as well. The preceding bottom regions 214 each comprise groove lines 215 which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines 215 the bottom 604 of the closed container 600 can be formed from the bottom region 214. Analogously, the preceding top regions 213 each comprise groove lines 215 which are designed such that upon folding along the groove lines 215 the top 603 of the closed container 600 can be formed from the top region 213. It should be noted that the scheme of figure 2 does not show al folding ands sealing flaps of the composite regions which are needed to form a closed container 600 from the respective composite region. In particular, longitudinal flaps needed for forming a longitudinal seal 503 are not shown.

Figure 3a) shows a diagram of a print mark of the invention. The print mark is the first print mark and thus, the third ink application 209 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2. The third ink application 209 consists of the first part 303 and the further part 304 of the first re gion 301 and, further, the further region 302. The first part 303 and the further part 304 are spaced apart from one another by a distance 305 of 1.5 mm in a direction which is perpendicu lar to the first borderline 206 which also runs through between the first part 303 and the further part 304 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209. The further region 302 which is displaced from the first region 301 in a direction along the first borderline 206 runs across the first borderline 206 at which the first composite region 203 and the second composite region 204 of a sheet-like composite 100 adjoin. The first region 301 and the further region 302 of the third ink application 209 are displaced from one another in the direction along the first border line 206 by a distance 306 of 0.5 mm. Further, the third ink application 209 has a length 307 of 5.5 mm in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline 206. The third ink appli cation 209, further, has a maximum width 308 of 1.5 mm in a direction along the first border- line 206.

Figure 3b) shows a diagram of another print mark of the invention. The print mark of figure

3b) is the first print mark and thus, the third ink application 209 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2, wherein the print mark of figure 3b) is of an alternative design with respect to the print mark of figure 3a). In particular, the first region 301 of the third ink applicant 209 of figure 3 is of a different design. A width of the first region 301 decreases in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline 206. More specifically, the first region 301 tapers at an angle 309 of 10°. In case of a misprint, the first part 303 or the further part 304 of the first region 301 is visible in the quality test (see figures 12a) to c)). If the first region 301 is tapered as in figure 3b), a direction of misprint can be derived from the width of the line that is visible on the side face 1203 of the stack 1202. Even more, from the preceding width it can be derived how far off the print is from the correct position. Hence, the print mark of figure 3b) allows for a particularly simple assessment of the print error and correction thereof.

Figure 3c) shows a diagram of another print mark of the invention. The print mark of figure 3c) is the first print mark and thus, the third ink application 209 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2, wherein the print mark of figure 3b) is of an alternative design with respect to the print marks of figures 3a) and b). In particular, the first part 303, the first 301 ad further 302 regions of the third ink application 209 of figure 3c) are connected with one another, in stead of being spaced apart. Here, the dash-dotted line in figure 3c) indicates differentiation between the first 301 and further regions 302.

Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic top view of a blank 400 of the invention. The blank 400 of figure 4 has been obtained from the second composite region 204 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2 by cutting the second composite region 204 out of the sheet-like composite 100 along the first borderline 206 and the further borderline 207. Hence, a first cutting edge 401 has been obtained from the first borderline 206 and a second cutting edge 402 has been ob tained from the further borderline 207. In the blank 400, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a part 404 which is the further part 304 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209. Further, in the blank 400, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with a part 405 of the further region 302 of the third ink application 209; with a part 406 of the first region of the fifth ink application 211; and with a part 407 of the further region of the fifth ink application 211. The part 404 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209 has a first distance from the first cutting edge 401 and the part 406 of the first region of the fifth ink application 211 has a second distance from the second cutting edge 402. The first distance and the second distance are each about half the distance between the first and further parts of the third 209 and fifth 211 ink applications in the sheet-like composite 100, respectively. Further, the first cut ting edge 401 and the second cutting edge 402 both adjoin a further edge 403 of the blank 400 which connects the first cutting edge 401 to the second cutting edge 402. In the blank 400, the third ink application 209 has a third distance from the further edge, 403 and the fifth ink appli cation 211 has a fourth distance from the further edge 403. The third distance and the fourth distance are both 15 min. Just as with figure 2, it should be noted that the scheme of figure 4 does not show al folding and sealing flaps of the blank 400 which are needed to form a closed container 600 from the blank 400. In particular, a longitudinal flap needed for forming a longi tudinal seal 503 is not shown. Such longitudinal flap would have to be at the first cutting edge 401.

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view of a container precursor 500 of the invention. The con tainer precursor 500 has been obtained from the first composite region 203 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2 as blank 400 by the process 900 described below in the context of figure 9. Accordingly, the container precursor 500 comprises a blank 400 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2. Hence, the container precursor 500 comprises the first composite region 203 of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2 as a blank 400. As be seen from the top region 213 and the bottom region 214 of the blank 400 in figure 5, the container precursors 500 is shown upside down. In a corresponding cross section, the blank 400 has the layer se quence shown in figure 1. In the blank 400, the visual pattern repeating unit 202 of the first composite region 203 constitutes a first ink application 103. Further to the first ink application 103, the outer polymer layer 104 is printed with the second ink application 208 which has been included in the sheet-like composite 1 00 of figure 2 already. The blank 400 comprises a first cutting edge in a first edge region 501 of the blank 400 and a second cutting edge in a further edge region 502 of the blank 400. The second cutting edge is opposite the first cutting edge. Further, the blank 400 has been folded along the longitudinal groove lines 216 of the first composite region 203, thereby creating longitudinal edges 504 and bringing the blank 400 into a sleeve-like shape. The first edge region 501 and the further edge region 502 have been joined to one another by sealing, thereby forming a longitudinal scam 503 of the container precursor 500. As the blank 400 of the container precursor 500 has been obtained by cutting the first composite region 203 out of the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2, in particular by cutting along the first borderline 206, thereby obtaining the first cutting edge, the blank 400 includes a part 404 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209 and a part 405 of the further region 302 of the third ink application 209. The parts 404 and 405 are positioned in the further edge region 502. The first edge region 501 does not include the print mark shown in figure 2 at the borderline which is opposite the first borderline 206 because the blank 400 has been skived in the first edge region 501 at the outer surface 101. Thereby, the preceding print mark and the outer polymer layer 104 have been lost and the carrier layer 105 has been thinned in the skived region. The part 404 of the first region 301 and the part 405 of the further region 302 of the third ink application 209 are displaced from one another in a direction along the first cutting edge, wherein the part 405 of the further region 302 of the third ink application 209 adjoins the first cutting edge, extends right to the edge. The part 404 of the first region 301 of the third ink application 209 has a distance from the first cutting edge of more than 1 mm. Each of the sec ond ink application 208 and the parts 404 and 405 comprises the same crosslinked polymer which has been obtained by UV-curing black ink of the type Sunjet ULM from Sun Chemical, US.

Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic view of a closed container 600 of the invention. The closed container 600 has been produced from the container precursor 500 of figure 5 as described above in the container production section of the examples according to the invention. Accord ingly, in the container 600, a blank 400 encloses an interior volume 601 which includes a foodstuff 602. From the bottom region 214 and the top region 213 of the container precursor 500 a top 603 and a bottom 604 of the container 600 have been obtained, respectively.

Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of a process 700 of the invention for preparing the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2. The process 700 comprises a process step a) 701 of providing the carrier layer 105 as sheet-like composite precursor and superimposing the carrier layer 105 with the outer polymer layer 104 on its outer side, and on its inner side with the intermediate polymer layer 106, the barrier layer 107, the adhesion promoter layer 108 and the inner poly mer layer 109. Further, the process 700 comprises a step a. 702 of printing four first ink com positions, each of a different colour of a four-colour-system, onto the outer polymer layer 104 and drying each of the first ink compositions, thereby obtaining the first ink application 103 from the four first ink compositions in a step b. 703. Further, the process 700 comprises steps b) 704 of printing a second ink composition onto the outer polymer layer 104 in an unprinted region; c) 705 printing a third ink composition onto the outer polymer layer 104 in an unprint ed region; and d) 706, printing a fourth ink composition onto the outer polymer layer 104 in an unprinted region. Consecutive steps of b) 704 to d) 706 are conducted in temporal overlap. In a step e) 707, the second ink application 208 is obtained from the second ink composition, the third ink application 209 is obtained from the third ink composition, and the fourth ink applica tion 210 is obtained from the fourth ink composition, each by initiating a crosslinking reaction in the respective ink composition by irradiation with UV-light. Further, details of the process 700 are described above in the laminate production section of the examples of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a flow diagram of a process 800 of the invention for preparing the blank 400 of figure 4. The process 800 comprises steps of A) 801 providing the sheet-like composite 100 of figure 2, and B) 802 cutting the second composite region 204 out of the sheet-like composite 100. In the process step B) 802, the cutting is effected along the first borderline 206 and the further borderline 207, whereby the first 401 and second 402 cutting edges of the blank 400 are obtained.

Figure 9 shows a flow diagram of a process 900 of the invention for preparing the container precursor 500 of figure 5. In a process step a] 901 a blank 400 which consists of the first com posite region 203 of the sheet-like composite 1400 of figure 2 is provided by cutting the first composite region 203 out of the sheet-like composite 100. Then, an edge region of the ob tained blank 400 which is at the upper borderline of the first composite region 203 in figure 2 is skived at the outer surface 101. The skiving is effected using a skiving mechanism Model VN 50 from Fortuna Spezialmaschinen GmbH, Well dcr Stadt, Germany. The skived region is folded back onto itself in order to obtain an edge of the blank 400 which is protected against moisture, i.e. in which no cutting edge of the carrier layer is exposed. In a process step b] 902 the skived blank 400 is folded along the longitudinal groove lines 216 shown in figure 2, thereby bringing a first edge region 501 of the blank 400 and a further edge region 502 of the blank 400 into overlap. In a process step c] 903 the first edge region 501 is sealed to the further edge region 502, thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam 503 and thus, a sleeve-like container precursor 500.

Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of a process 1000 of the invention for preparing the closed container 600 of figure 6. The process 1000 comprises steps of A] providing the container pre cursor 500 of figure 5 and B] folding the blank 400 of the container precursor 500 and joining part regions of the blank 400 with one another, thereby closing the container precursor 500 in a top region 213 by ultrasound sealing and in a bottom region 214 by hot air sealing to obtain the closed container 600. Further details of the process 600 are described above in the container production section of the examples of the invention.

Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of a process 1 100 of the invention for controlling a quality of a print. More specifically, the process 1 100 provides a simple and reliable measure of testing if a QR-code has been printed exactly at the desired position onto a laminate for the production of foodstuff containers. In a process step a} 1101 a multitude 1201 of the blank 400 of figure 4 is provided. In a process step b} 1102 those blanks 400 are stacked, thereby obtaining a stack 1202 which has a side face 1203. That side face 1203 is constituted by the first cutting edges 401 of the blanks 400. In a process step c} 1103, the side face 1203 is inspected by naked eye for the first print mark. The steps b} 1102 and c} 1103 are described in more detail above in the print quality control section of the examples of the invention. Further, figures 12a) to c) provide illustrations of step c}.

Figure 12a) shows an illustration of the process 1100 of figure 11. The left part of the figure shows the stack 1202 of the multitude 1201 of blanks 400. The side face 1203 of the stack 1202 which is formed from the first cutting edges 401 of the blanks 400 shows a vertical line which indicates that the parts 405 of the further regions 302 of the third ink applications 209 of the blanks 400 touch the first cutting edges 401. The parts 404 of the first regions 301 of the third ink applications 209 do not show at the side face 1203. The corresponding positioning of the third ink application 209 with respect to the first cutting edge 401 is shown in the right part of the figure 12a). Naturally, the blanks 400 include only parts of the third ink application 209 from below up to the first cutting edge 401 in the left hand part of figure 12a). For reasons of comprehensibility, however, the complete original third ink application 209 is shown. Here, the positioning of the third ink applications 209 and thus, of the QR-codes of the blanks 400 is correct. The blanks 400 pass the quality test.

Figure 12b) shows a further illustration of the process 1100 of figure 11. A stack 1202 which is identical to that of figure 12a) is shown. Here, however, the side face 1203 shows two parallel vertical lines. The right hand one of those lines is the same as shown in figure 12a). Hence, this line stems from the parts 405 of the further regions 302 of the third ink applications 209 of the blanks 400. The left hand line is caused by the parts 404 of the first regions 301 of the third ink applications 209 also touching the first cutting edges 401 of the blanks. The corresponding positioning of the third ink application 209 with respect to the first cutting edge 401 is shown in the right part of the figure 12b). Here, the third ink applications 209 and thus, of the QR- codes of the blanks 400 have not been printed at the correct position. The blanks 400 do not pass the quality test, but arc discarded.

Figure 12c) shows a further illustration of the process 1100 of figure 11. A stack 1202 which is identical to that of figure 12a) is shown. Here, however, the side face 1203 shows no sign of any part of the third ink applications 209 of the blanks 400. It can be concluded that the print ing system which should have printed the third ink applications 209 and the QR-codes of the blanks 400 had a malfunction in the cause of which the third ink applications 209 and the QR- codes have not been printed. In consequence, the blanks 400 do not pass the quality test, but are discarded. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS sheet-like composite of the invention

outer surface of the sheet-like composite inner surface of the sheet-like composite first ink application

outer polymer layer

carrier layer

intermediate polymer layer

barrier layer

adhesion promoter layer

inner polymer layer

line which defines the cross section of figure 1 visual pattern repeating unit

first composite region

second composite region

third composite region

first borderline

further borderline

second ink application

third ink application

fourth ink application

fifth ink application

sixth ink application

top region

bottom region

groove line

longitudinal groove line

first region of the third ink application further region of the third ink application first part of the first region of the third ink application

further part of the first region of the third ink application

distance between the first and further parts of the first region of the third ink application in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline distance between the first and further regions of the third ink application in a direction along the first borderline

length of the third ink application

maximum width of’ the third ink application

angle at which the first region of the third ink application tapers in the direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline

blank of the invention

first cutting edge

second cutting edge

further edge

part of the first region of the third ink application

part of the further region of the third ink application

part of the first region of the fifth ink application

part of the further region of the fifth ink application

container precursor of the invention

first edge region

further edge region

longitudinal seam

longitudinal edge

container of the invention

interior volume

foodstuff

top

bottom

process of the invention for preparing a sheet-like composite

process step a)

process step a. 703 process step b.

704 process step b)

705 process step c)

706 process step d)

707 process step e)

800 process of the invention for preparing a blank

801 process step A)

802 process step B)

900 process of the invention for preparing a container precursor

901 process step a]

902 process step b]

903 process step c]

1000 process of the invention for preparing a closed container 1001 process step A]

1002 process step B]

1100 process of the invention for controlling a quality of a print 1101 process step a}

1102 process step b}

1103 process step c}

1201 multitude of blanks of the invention

1202 stack

1203 side face

Claims

1. A sheet-like composite (100), comprising as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite (100) and proceeding to an inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite (100)

a) a carrier layer (105), and

b) a barrier layer (107);

wherein on a side of the carrier layer (105) which is remote from the barrier layer (107) the carrier layer (105) is superimposed by a first ink application (103), constituting a visual pattern, having a visual pattern repeating unit (202):

wherein the sheet-like composite (100) comprises a multitude of composite regions; wherein each composite region of the multitude of composite regions comprises an en tity of the visual pattern repeating unit (202);

wherein the multitude of composite regions comprises a first composite region (203) and a second composite region (204), which adjoin one another at a first borderline (206);

wherein in the first composite region (203) on the side of the carrier layer (105) which is remote from the barrier layer (107) the carrier layer (105) is superimposed by a. a second ink application (208), and

b. a first part (303) of a first region (301) of a third ink application (209), the third ink application (209) constituting a first print mark;

wherein in the second composite region (204) on the side of the carrier layer (105) which is remote from the barrier layer (107) the carrier layer (105) is superimposed by a] a fourth ink application (210), and

b] a further part (304) of the first region (301) of the third ink application (209);

wherein the first part (303) and the further part (304) of the first region (301) of the third ink application (209) are spaced apart from one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the first borderline (206), which runs through between the first part (303) and the further part (304) of the first region (301) of the third ink application (209).

2. The sheet-like composite (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third ink application (209) comprises a further region (302),

wherein the first region (301) and the further region (302) of the third ink application (209) are displaced from one another in a direction along the first borderline (206), wherein the further region (302) of the third ink application (209) runs across the first borderline (206).

3. The sheet-like composite (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a width of the first region (301) of the third ink application (209) varies in the direction which is perpendic- ular to the first borderline (206).

4. The sheet-like composite (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one selected from the group consisting of the second ink application (208), the third ink ap plication (209), and the fourth ink application (210), or a combination of at least two thereof comprises a crosslinked polymer.

5. The sheet-like composite (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first ink application (103) comprises less crosslinked polymer than one selected from the group consisting of the second ink application (208), the third ink application (209), and the fourth ink application (210), or each of a combination of at least two thereof.

6. The sheet-like composite (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second ink application (208) or the fourth ink application (210) or each of both consti tutes a 2D-code.

7. The sheet-like composite (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual pattern repeating unit (202) constitutes a decoration of a container (600) to be formed from a composite region of the multitude of composite regions.

8. A blank (400) of a sheet4ike composite (100) comprising as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite (100) and proceeding to an inner surface (102) of the sheet-like composite (100)

a) a carrier layer (105), and

b) a barrier layer (107);

wherein on a side of the carrier layer (105) which is remote from the barrier layer (107) the carrier layer (105) is superimposed by

a. a first ink application (103),

b. a fourth ink application (210),

c. a part (404) of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application con stituting a first print mark, and

d. a part (406) of a first region of a fifth ink application, the fifth ink application con stituting a further print mark;

wherein the blank (400) comprises

a] a first cutting edge (401), and

b] a second cutting edge (402) which is opposite the first cutting edge (401);

wherein the part (404) of the first region of the third ink application has a first distance from the first cutting edge (401);

wherein the part (406) of the first region of the fifth ink application has a second dis tance from the second cutting edge (402);

wherein the first distance and the second distance are each in a range from more than 0 mm up to 5 mm.

9. A container precursor (500), comprising a blank (400) of a sheet-like composite (100), wherein the blank (400) comprises as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface (101) of the blank (400) and proceeding to an inner surface (102) of the blank (400)

a) a carrier layer (105), and

b) a barrier layer (107);

wherein on a side of the carrier layer (105) which is remote from the barrier layer (107) the carrier layer (105) is superimposed by a. a first ink application (103),

b. a second ink application (208), and

c. a part (404) of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application con stituting a print mark,

wherein the blank (400) comprises

a] a first cutting edge in a first edge region (501) of the blank (400), and

b] a second cutting edge in a further edge region (502) of the blank (400),

wherein the second cutting edge is opposite the first cutting edge;

wherein the first edge region (501) and the further edge region (502) are joined to one another, thereby forming a longitudinal seam (503) of the container precursor (500); wherein the part (404) of the first region of the third ink application has a distance in a range from more than 0 mm up to 5 mm from the first cutting edge;

wherein each of the second ink application (208) and the part (404) of the first region of the third ink application comprises a crosslinked polymer.

10. A container (600), comprising a blank (400) of a sheet-like composite (100),

wherein the blank (400)

a) at least partly encloses an interior volume (601) of the container (600), and b) comprises as layers of a layer sequence starting from an outer surface (101) of the sheet-like composite (100) and proceeding to an inner surface (102) of the sheet like composite (100)

i) a carrier layer (105), and

ii) a barrier layer (107);

wherein on a side of the carrier layer (105) which is remote from the barrier layer (107) the carrier layer (107) is superimposed by

a. a first ink application (103),

b. a second ink application (208), and c. a part (404) of a first region of a third ink application, the third ink application con stituting a print mark;

wherein the blank (400) comprises a] a first cutting edge in a first edge region (501) of the blank (400), and

b] a second cutting edge in a further edge region (502) of the blank (400),

wherein the second cutting edge is opposite the first cutting edge;

wherein the first edge region (501) and the further edge region (502) are joined to one another, thereby forming a longitudinal seam (503) of the container (600);

wherein the part (404) of the first region of the third ink application has a distance in a range from more than 0 mm up to 5 mm from the first cutting edge;

11. A process (700) for preparing the sheet-like composite (100) according to any of the claims 1 to 7, the process (700) comprising as process steps

a) provision of a sheet-like composite precursor comprising the carrier layer (105); b) partly superimposing the sheet-like composite precursor on a first side with a second ink composition;

c) obtaining

i) the second ink application (208) from the second ink composition, ii) the third ink application (209) from the third ink composition, and iii) the fourth ink application (210) from the fourth ink composition; wherein the process (700) further comprises process steps of

a. partly superimposing the sheet-like composite precursor on the first side with at least one first ink composition, and b. obtaining the first ink application (103) from the at least one first ink composi tion; wherein the process (700) further comprises a process step of superimposing a barrier layer (107) onto the carrier layer (105) on a side of the carrier layer (105) which is oppo site to the first side. 12. The process (700) according to claim 11, wherein the process steps b) and c), or c) and d), or both are conducted in at least partial temporal overlap.

13. A process (800) for preparing a blank (400) of a sheet-like composite (100), the process (800) comprising as process steps

A) provision of the sheet-like composite (100) according to any of the claims 1 to 7; and

B) separating the second composite region (204) out of the sheet-like composite (100); wherein the process step B) comprises cutting the sheet-like composite (100) along the first borderline (206), thereby obtaining a first cutting edge (401).

14. A blank (400) obtainable by the process (800) according to claim 13.

15. A process (900) for preparing a container precursor (500), the process (900) comprising as process steps

a] provision of the blank (400) according to claim 8; and

b] folding the blank (400), thereby bringing a first edge region (501) of the blank (400), comprising the first cutting edge, and a further edge region (502) of the blank (400), comprising the second cutting edge, into overlap; and

c] joining the first edge region (501) to the further edge region (502), thereby ob- taining a longitudinal scam (503).

16. A process (1000) for preparing a closed container (500), the process (1000) comprising as process steps

A] provision of the container precursor (500) according to claim 9; and B] folding the blank (400) and joining part regions of the blank (400) with one an- oth er, thereby closing the container precursor (500) in a top region (213) and in a bottom region (214) of the container precursor (500).

17. A process (1100) comprising as process steps

a} provision of a multitude (1201) of blanks (400) according to claim 8 or 14;

b [stacking the blanks (400), thereby obtaining a stack (1202) comprising a side face (1203) which is constituted by the first cutting edges (401) of the blanks

(400); and

c} visually inspecting the side face (1203) of the stack (1201) for the first print mark.

18. A use of the sheet-like composite (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, or of the blank (400) according to claim 8 or 14, or of the container precursor (500) according to claim 9 for producing a foodstuff container.

19. A use of the container (600) according to claim 10 for storing a foodstuff.

20. A use of an ink-jet printer for the superimposing of any of the process steps b) to d) of the process (700) according to claim 11 or 12.

21. A use of an ink composition, comprising a crosslinker and an initiator,

A] for obtaining one selected from the group consisting of the second ink applica tion (208), the third ink application (209), and the fourth ink application (210), or a combination of at least two thereof, in each case of the sheet-like composite (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7; or

B] as one selected from the group consisting of the second ink composition, the third ink composition, and the fourth ink composition, or a combination of at least two thereof, in each case of the process (700) according to claim 11 or 12. 22 A use of an inspection system for the visual inspection of the process step c} of the pro cess (1100) according to claim 17.