Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
  • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
  • B32B27/304—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl halide (co)polymers, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
  • B32B27/306—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol (co)polymers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
  • B32B27/308—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising acrylic (co)polymers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
  • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
  • B32B27/327—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins comprising polyolefins obtained by a metallocene or single-site catalyst
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
  • B32B3/02—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
  • B32B3/04—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by at least one layer folded at the edge, e.g. over another layer ; characterised by at least one layer enveloping or enclosing a material
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
  • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
  • B32B7/05—Interconnection of layers the layers not being connected over the whole surface, e.g. discontinuous connection or patterned connection
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
  • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
  • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
  • B32B2250/24—All layers being polymeric
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2270/00—Resin or rubber layer containing a blend of at least two different polymers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/30—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
  • B32B2307/31—Heat sealable
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
  • B32B2307/70—Other properties
  • B32B2307/714—Inert, i.e. inert to chemical degradation, corrosion
  • B32B2307/7145—Rot proof, resistant to bacteria, mildew, mould, fungi
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
  • B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
  • B32B2307/7246—Water vapor barrier
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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  • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
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  • B32B2307/764—Insect repellent
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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  • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
  • B32B2439/40—Closed containers
  • B32B2439/46—Bags
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
  • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
  • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
  • B32B2439/70—Food packaging
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
  • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
  • B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
  • B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
  • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
  • B65D81/28—Applications of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to laminated films, and more specifically to laminated films with anti-microbial properties, suitable for use as food packaging materials.
• Anti-microbial packaging is one such promising technology, which may involve integrating anti-microbial active agents into food package and subsequently delivering them over time to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms affecting food products and thereby increasing the food products’ shelf life.
• contact anti-microbial packaging where anti-microbial agents such as silver or triclosan are embedded into the inner layer of the packaging film and the film contacts against the food to prevent the growth of bacteria at the interface
• vapor evolution films where volatile ingredients are embedded in the film of a package which evolve into the package after the food is loaded and sealed
• coated films where solid or liquid anti-microbial agents are applied by coating methods onto the surface of the film that comes into contact with food
• microencapsulated actives where coarcevated ingredients are applied onto the surface of packaging.
• laminated film materials with anti-microbial properties suitable for use as food packaging materials, as well as methods for manufacturing these film materials.
• a laminated film comprising: a barrier film comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a transmission film comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound in liquid form.
• the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable.
• An interface is formed by the barrier film and the transmission film.
• the liquid active is spread at the interface, matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and/or at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active is spread at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active is spread at the interface, matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• a laminated film bag comprising: a first exterior barrier film and a second exterior barrier film, each independently comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a first interior transmission film and a second interior transmission film, each independently comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound.
• the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable. An interface is formed by the first exterior barrier fdm and the first interior transmission film, and an interface is formed by the second exterior barrier film and the second interior transmission film.
• the liquid active is spread at each interface, matches surface energy with the resin at each interface, and/or at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at each interface.
• the liquid active is spread at each interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at each interface. In certain embodiments, the liquid active is spread at each interface, matches surface energy with the resin at each interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at each interface. In some variations, the sides and bottom of the bag are heat sealed through all transmission and barrier films, and the top of the bag has a temporary seal.
• wicketed bags comprising: a plurality of any of the laminated film bags described herein, wherein the bags are stacked one on top of another, and are attached together to form a bundle.
• a laminated film bag containing food product comprising: a first exterior barrier film and a second exterior barrier film, each independently comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a first interior transmission film and a second interior transmission film, each independently comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound.
• the sides and bottom of the bag are heat sealed through all transmission and barrier films.
• the food product is positioned in space between the first and second interior transmission films. In certain embodiments, the space creates a low vapor concentration partial pressure that draws the liquid active into the space containing the food product.
• the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable.
• An interface is formed by the first exterior barrier film and the first interior transmission film
• an interface is formed by the second exterior barrier film and the second interior transmission film.
• the liquid active when present at an interface, matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and/or at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active when present at an interface, at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active when present at an interface, matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active is in vapor form when present in the space containing the food product.
• a method of manufacturing a plurality of laminated film bags comprising: a) providing a roll of barrier film comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; b) providing a roll of transmission film comprising transmission resin; c) directing the barrier film and transmission film towards a lamination nip; d) dispensing a liquid active on a surface of the barrier film prior to pulling the barrier film and the transmission film through the lamination nip; e) pulling the barrier film and the transmission film through the lamination nip, thereby spreading the liquid active between the barrier film and the transmission film and producing a laminated film; f) heat sealing the edges of the laminated film to minimize loss of liquid active; g) folding the heat sealed film using a V-folder, wherein the transmission film becomes adjacent interior transmission layers and the barrier film becomes exterior barrier layers; and h) cut sealing the folded film to produce the plurality of laminated film bags.
• a laminated film bag produced according to any of the manufacturing methods described herein.
• the laminated film bags provided herein may be used as packaging material for various products, including food products.
• the food product is perishable.
• Suitable food products may include, for example, bread.
• FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary laminated film with liquid active.
• FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary laminated film bag containing food product.
• FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B provide a general overview of an exemplary process of manufacturing laminated film bags.
• FIG. 5 depicts the rolls of transmission and barrier films in the manufacture of the laminated film bags.
• FIGA. 6A and 6B depict the dispensing of liquid active between film layers.
• FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict the sealing and cutting of the edges of the laminated film formed to minimize loss of liquid active within the film layers.
• FIG. 8 depicts the folding of the sealed laminated film using a V-folder.
• FIG. 9 depicts the cut sealing of the folded laminated film into bags.
• laminated films and laminated bags with anti-microbial properties suitable for use as food packaging materials.
• lamination is the combining of two dissimilar layers together, where each layer provides a separate function so as together they form a higher performance material.
• the bags provided herein have an exterior material that provides barrier properties to a liquid active.
• a laminated film that includes liquid active between at least two films.
• a barrier film is laminated with a transmission layer, and interface is formed between the barrier and transmission films.
• the liquid active is at the interface in between the barrier and transmissions.
• a laminated film that includes (i) a barrier film comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; (ii) a transmission film comprising transmission resin; and (iii) a liquid active comprising volatile compound.
• a bag, or a plurality of bags, produced from such laminated film includes: (i) a first exterior barrier film and a second exterior barrier film, each independently comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; (ii) a first interior transmission film and a second interior transmission film, each independently comprising transmission resin; and (iii) a liquid active comprising volatile compound.
• the sides and bottom of the bag are heat sealed through all transmission and barrier films.
• the top of the bag has a temporary seal.
• the liquid active is spread at the interface of the barrier film and the transmission film.
• the liquid active at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface, without the need for an adhesive agent or film at the interface.
• the liquid active at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface by weak cohesion.
• the laminated layers are held together by a light to moderate adhesion, achieved by using the nature of wetting liquid at the interface of the two film layers.
• the liquid active in the film and the bag described herein may at least partially hold the barrier and transmission films together primarily by non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, dispersion forces, or Van der Waals forces.
• the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the vapor pressure of the liquid active affects its ability to at least partially hold the barrier and transmission films together.
• at least a portion of the liquid active at the interface is in the liquid phase.
• the type of adhesion used is based on dispersive and diffusive properties of the system described.
• the system utilizes the interface formed by each of the two layers that will be combined with the liquid active chosen.
• the liquid active is applied ( e.g ., in an even coating) at the interface.
• this liquid active has the property of matching surface energy with the materials that make up the interface of the two layers. This is not a strong adhesion as one would find with pressure sensitive or epoxy adhesives. The reason is that the liquid active does not have strong cohesion. Cohesion is generally recognized as the strength of one material to keep itself from being split apart.
• the laminated films and bags provided herein require very little adhesion to make the end product work well, because when the pouch is formed, the edges of the product are sealed with thermoplastic welds. These seals combine the layers of the two or more layers of polymeric films at specific lines along the edges of the pouch.
• the thermoplastic welds use pressure and heat to achieve homogeneous adhesion of two or more layers of polymeric film.
• the liquid active e.g ., in liquid form
• the applied pressure is applied over the layers of film to achieve the weld.
• the liquid active e.g ., in liquid form
• the applied pressure results in intimate contact of the interfaces and in turn results in molecular chain intermingling of the interface polymers and thus adhesion (welds).
• there are four layers of film where two layers each contain liquid active in the interface that are stacked together to make four layers with liquid at the point where the bag side seals are made.
• a laminated film comprising: a barrier film comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a transmission film comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound.
• the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable.
• the liquid active is spread at the interface formed by the barrier film and the transmission film.
• the liquid active matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and/or at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the liquid active matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• Laminated film 100 is made up of barrier film 102 and transmission film 104
• Barrier film 102 includes transmission resins 106 (e.g ., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE), adhesive resins 108 (e.g., maleic anhydride), and barrier resin 110 (e.g., EVOH, PVDC).
• Transmission film 104 includes transmission resin (e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE).
• Liquid active 112 e.g., VOC is spread at the interface of barrier film 102 and transmission film 104
• FIG. 1 list some exemplary materials that can be used for the different parts of the laminated film.
• transmission resins 106 may include, for example, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and/or very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE).
• Adhesive resins 108 may include, for example, maleic anhydride.
• Barrier resin 110 may include, for example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and/or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC). It should be understood, however, that in other exemplary embodiments, other materials described herein may be suitable for use as the resins in barrier and transmission layers.
• the barrier film generally has the ability to restrict the passage of gases, vapors, and organic liquids.
• exemplary laminated film 100 has barrier resin 110 that is encapsulated by transmission resins 106 Further, adhesive resins 108 hold together the transmission and barrier resins.
• Suitable transmission resins are typically high transmission rate materials, and suitable barrier resins are typically low transmission rate materials.
• transmission rate refers to the quantity of gas or vapor that is able to pass through a specific area of material over a specified period of time. Examples of gas or vapor include O2, N2, helium, moisture, organic vapor, polar vapor, and non-polar vapor.
• transmission rate refers to the quantity of liquid that is able to pass through a specific area of material over a specified period of time. The transmission rate is different for each gas or vapor or liquid, which can be tested using different sensors.
• moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) or “oxygen transmission rate” (OTR) may be used as proxy for the transmission rate of an active ingredient through a material.
• moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) or “water vapor transmission rate” (WVTR) refers to the rate at which water vapor permeates through a material at specified conditions of temperature and relative humidity, which may be determined according to the test procedure standardized by INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry), number IST- 70.4-99, which is known to those skilled in the art and incorporated by reference herein.
• MVTR or WVTR is typically measured in the unit of g/m 2 /day or g/in 2 /day.
• oxygen transmission rate refers to the rate at which oxygen gas permeates through a material at specified conditions of temperature and relative humidity. OTR is typically measured in the unit of cc/m 2 /day or cc/in 2 /day. Any suitable techniques known in the art to determine vapor transmission rates may be employed. For example, a pouch of the transmission layer is made with a prescribed amount of the liquid active, and then the pouch is weighed over time to determine the transmission of vaporized liquid.
• the transmission resin includes materials that have a MVTR equal or higher than 20 g/m 2 /day at approximately room temperature, and/or an OTR equal or higher than 5000 cc/m 2 /day at approximately room temperature.
• the transmission resin includes unbranched or short-branched polyethylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, mineral filled (e.g., calcium carbonate, talc) polymers that are intended in the manufacture of films, or polypropylenes intended for porous film (e.g., containing beta nucleators). Any suitable combinations of the transmission resins described herein may also be used.
• the barrier resin includes materials that have a MVTR equal or lower than 1 g/m 2 /day, and/or an OTR equal or lower than 100 cc/m 2 /day and preferably lower than 10 cc/m 2 /day.
• the barrier resin includes polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), or polymer with high aspect ratio clay.
• the barrier resin includes Nylon and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Any suitable combinations of the barrier resins described herein may also be used.
• the adhesive resin includes maleic anhydride polymer.
• the adhesive resin includes ethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride or anhydride modified polyethylene.
• the adhesive resin includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA), ethylene-acrylic acid (EAA), and ethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (AMP). Any suitable combinations of the adhesive resins described herein may also be used.
• the type of adhesive resin selected may depend on the barrier resin used.
• ethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride is used in the adhesive resin for ethylene vinyl alcohol barrier resin.
• ethylene-vinyl acetate and/or ethylene- methyl acrylate may be used in the adhesive resin for polyvinylidene chloride barrier resin.
• ethylene-acrylic acid may be used in the adhesive resin for PET barrier resin.
• ethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride may be used in the adhesive resin for ethylene vinyl alcohol barrier resin.
• liquid active 112 can be a volatile organic compound (VOC).
• the liquid active include volatile agents.
• the liquid active includes anti-microbial agents. Suitable anti-microbial agents may include, for example, ethyl pyruvate, 1 -butanol, 3 -methyl-, acetate, diallyl thiosulfinate, cinnamaldehyde, citral, thymol, menthol, eugenol, and/or carvacrol.
• Other active agents may include insecticide, acaricide, fungicide, plant growth regulator, and/or insect behavior modifier. Any suitable combination of the liquid active agents described herein may also be used.
• liquid active 112 is distributed at the interface of the barrier and transmission films. In some variation, the liquid active is spread in an even coating at the interface. In another variation, the liquid active is distributed uniformly at the interface. However, in other variations, the liquid may not be uniformly distributed at the interface. There may be certain areas at the interface which have liquid active, and other areas that do not have liquid active.
• Distribution of the liquid active in the laminated film can be analyzed by comparing the concentrations (e.g., g/m 2 ) of the liquid active at two points of the material along the interface.
• uniform distribution of the liquid active refers to the difference of the concentrations of the liquid active at two points of the material along the interface being smaller than 0.1%, smaller than 0.2%, smaller than 0.3%, smaller than 0.4%, smaller than 0.5%, smaller than 0.6%, smaller than 0.7%, smaller than 0.8%, smaller than 0.9%, smaller than 1%, smaller than 2%, smaller than 3%, smaller than 4%, smaller than 5%, smaller than 6%, smaller than 7%, smaller than 8%, smaller than 9%, or smaller than 10%.
• exemplary laminated film bag 200 contains a food product.
• the food product depicted in FIG. 2 is a loaf of bread, it should be understood that, in other exemplary embodiments, the laminated film bag may contain other food products, or other or perishable articles or materials.
• Laminated film bag 200 includes two sides surrounding the food product, with each side comprising interior transmission film 202 and exterior barrier film 204, with liquid active 206 spread at the interface of the two films.
• the term “interior” refers to the direction at which the film is used to surround or contain an article.
• the term “exterior” refers to the direction away from which the laminated film is used to surround or contain an article.
• Liquid active migrates from the interface of the barrier and transmission films into the polymer matrix of the transmission film at a rate governed by the sorption parameter.
• the diffusion coefficient governs the rate of migration of the liquid active molecules through the polymer matrix of the transmission film. The rate is based on the local concentration differential of the entry side vs the exit side of the polymer matrix. When the exit side has a lower concentration of the vapor (liquid active) than the entry side, the vapor will migrate in the direction of the exit.
• the air against the exit of the polymer matrix is either saturated with the vapor or not. In the case that the air is saturated, then the vapor concentration along the thickness of the polymer matrix (transmission film) is the same (equivalent), which is said to have no gradient. When there is no gradient, then there is no net migration. When the vapor concentration at the exit of the polymer matrix accumulates to the point of saturation then net flow of liquid active through the polymer matrix stops.
• each volatile liquid will have its own set of factors such as diffusion coefficients and sorption as well as providing a partial concentration or pressure at the exit point.
• the volatile liquid active stays trapped in the interface between the barrier and transmission films until the bag is opened and the vapor pressure (concentration) drops at the interface of the two opposing transmission layers.
• the liquid active begins to show net migration through the transmission film until the two transmission film layers come into contact again, the vapor pressure of the liquid active at the vicinity of the transmission layer is saturated, or the liquid active is completely exhausted from the barrier transmission interface.
• the manufacture of laminated film bags comprise: printing the barrier film; wet- laminating the transmission film; machine direction welding of the laminated film edges; machine direction folding; and converting the folded film into bags.
• the step of bag conversion comprises: heat sealing, cutting, and optionally stacking and/or wicket forming.
• a method of manufacturing a plurality of laminated film bags comprising: a) providing a roll of barrier film; b) providing a roll of transmission film; c) directing the barrier film and transmission film towards a lamination nip; d) dispensing a liquid active on a surface of the barrier film prior to pulling the barrier film and the transmission film through the lamination nip, e) pulling the barrier film and the transmission film through the lamination nip to produce a laminated film, f) heat sealing the edges of the laminated film to minimize loss of liquid active; g) folding the heat sealed film using a V-folder, wherein the transmission film becomes adjacent interior transmission layers and the barrier film becomes exterior barrier layers; and h) cut sealing the folded film to produce the plurality of laminated film bags.
• step 1) transmission film 302 and barrier film 304 are provided.
• step 2) the transmission and barrier films are combined with liquid active 306 to produce a laminated film.
• the liquid active at least partially holds the transmission and barrier films together at their interface.
• step 3 edges of the laminated film are sealed or welded together, which traps the liquid active in between the transmission and barrier films.
• step 4 the sealed laminated film is folded.
• step 5 the folded laminated film is cut to form a laminated film bag.
• exemplary system 400 to manufacture the laminated film bags is provided.
• Transmission roll of film 402 and barrier roll of film 404 are provided in separate rolls.
• Liquid nozzle 406 is positioned to dispense liquid active onto the surface of the transmission film, before the transmission film and barrier film are pulled through the lamination nip to produce the laminated film. It should be understood that although a liquid nozzle is depicted in FIG. 4B, other suitable liquid dispensers may be used in the system.
• edge sealer 408 is positioned to seal or weld the side edges of the laminated film, which traps the liquid active in between the transmission film and barrier film.
• Folder 410 is then positioned downstream of the edge sealer to fold, seal, weld, and cut the folded laminated film to produce laminated film bags with an interior transmission film and exterior barrier film.
• FIGS. 5-9 provide further details about the manufacturing process.
• FIG. 5 depicts exemplary rolls of transmission film 502 and barrier film 504.
• Transmission film 502 includes transmission resins (e.g ., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE).
• Barrier film 504 includes transmission resins 506 (e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE), adhesive resins 508 (e.g., maleic anhydride), and barrier resins 510 (e.g., EVOH, PVDC).
• transmission resins e.g ., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE
• adhesive resins 508 e.g., maleic anhydride
• barrier resins 510 e.g., EVOH, PVDC
• FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the wet lamination of transmission film with barrier film to produce laminated film with liquid active dispersed at the interface of the two films.
• transmission film 602 includes transmission resins (e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE).
• Barrier film 604 includes transmission resins 606 (e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE), adhesive resins 608 (e.g., maleic anhydride), and barrier resins 610 (e.g., EVOH, PVDC).
• transmission resins e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE
• adhesive resins 608 e.g., maleic anhydride
• barrier resins 610 e.g., EVOH, PVDC
• Liquid active 612 e.g., VOC
• liquid active dispenser 614 is dispensed by liquid active dispenser 614 to spread at the interface of barrier film 604 and transmission film 602.
• transmission film 602 comes down vertically from top roll.
• Barrier film 604 comes into roller horizontally from lower roll on the unwind.
• Liquid active e.g., ethyl pyruvate
• bracket 618 holds injector tube 616 (e.g., a stainless steel tube) and allows it to be positioned tangentially against the vertical transmission film 602.
• injector tube 616 has a plurality of holes 620 (four representative holes are depicted in the figure) for dispensing or injecting the liquid active.
• the injector tube is made of stainless steel and has 308 laser-drilled holes that are 0.008” in diameter every 0.13” in the center 40” of a 72” tube. In some embodiments, the 0.008”-diametered holes in the injection tube are spaced 0.13” apart along the length of the injector tube dispensing the liquid active. Representative lines of liquid active 622 can be seen between the films. In some embodiments, heat-shrink sleeve 624 (e.g., a black heat-shrink sleeve) is placed on the injector tube to block some of the holes if films are less than 40” wide. [0060] FIGS.
• Transmission film 702 includes transmission resins (e.g ., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE).
• Barrier film 704 includes transmission resins 706 (e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, VLDPE), adhesive resins 708 (e.g., maleic anhydride), and barrier resins 710 (e.g., EVOH, PVDC).
• Liquid active 712 e.g., VOC is spread at the interface of barrier film 704 and transmission film 702.
• FIG. 7A and 7C depict the sealing process, in which the thermoplastic film layers are melted together during the sealing process which creates a weld and locks the liquid active within the film layers. This is done in the process direction also known as the “machine direction”.
• 714 refers to the heated steel or aluminum bar that contacts the surface of the thermoplastic film.
• FIG. 7B depicts the cutting process, in which two thermoplastic films are melted together and cut across the layers of the films. This is done in the transverse direction also known as the “cross-machine direction”.
• seal bars 716 are heated steel or aluminum bars that contact the surface of the thermoplastic film with integrated cutter blades that cut the edges alongside area 718, which is the side seal and cut area.
• FIG. 720 shows a zoomed-in view of the seal bar pressure-squeezing liquid active out of the weld region.
• the thermoplastic PE layers are melted together during the sealing process which creates a weld and locks the liquid active within the film layers. This is done in the transverse direction also known as the cross-machine direction.
• 722 refers to an exemplary embodiment of a cut and sealed bag.
• FIG. 7C depicts a view of sealing in the process direction 724 (also known as the machine direction or the direction of material flow), which shows two edge seals 726, one on each side of the web as close to the edge as possible, can encapsulate liquid active.
• FIG. 8 depicts the folding of laminated film using a V-folder.
• 802 refers to the process directions
• 804 refers to the transmission side of construction
• 806 refers to the barrier side of construction.
• FIG. 9 depicts the cut sealing of folded laminated film into bags.
• the plurality of bags can be stacked and bound together to form wickets of bags.
• 902 refers to the process directions
• 904 refers to the transmission side of construction
• 906 refers to the barrier side of construction
• 908 refers to the bag machine
• 910 refers to the side seal and cut
• 912 refers to the stacker/wicketter.
• the laminated films and film bags described herein may be used as packaging materials for any suitable products.
• the laminated film and film bags are used for packaging a perishable product such as a food, feed or agricultural product.
• food products include cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, cottage cheese, processed cheese, sour cream, dried fermented meat products, wine, beer, yoghurt, juice and other beverages, salad dressing, cottage cheese dressing, dips, bakery products ( e.g ., bread) and bakery fillings, surface glazes and icing, spreads, pizza toppings, confectionery and confectionery fillings, olives, olive brine, olive oil, juices, tomato purees and paste, condiments, and fruit pulp and the like food products.
• feed products include pet food, broiler feed, etc.
• agricultural products include cereals, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, ornamental plants.
• the films may contain an insecticide as the active agent.
• the laminated film and film bags are used for packaging an organ or a tissue.
• a laminated film comprising: a barrier film comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a transmission film comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound in liquid form, wherein the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable, wherein an interface is formed by the barrier film and the transmission film, and wherein the liquid active is spread at the interface, matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface.
• the barrier resin comprises: (i) polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), or a combination thereof; or
• EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
• EMA ethylene-methyl acrylate
• EAA ethylene-acrylic acid
• AMP ethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride
• polyethylene or (ii) low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or any combination thereof.
• LDPE low density polyethylene
• VLDPE very low density polyethylene
• LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
• liquid active comprises at least one antimicrobial agent.
• liquid active comprises:
• a laminated film bag comprising: a first exterior barrier film and a second exterior barrier film, each independently comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a first interior transmission film and a second interior transmission film, each independently comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound, wherein the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable, wherein an interface is formed by the first exterior barrier film and the first interior transmission film, and an interface is formed by the second exterior barrier film and the second interior transmission film, wherein the liquid active is spread at each interface, matches surface energy with the resin at each interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at each interface, wherein the sides and bottom of the bag are heat sealed through all transmission and barrier films, and wherein the top of the bag has a temporary seal.
• a wicket of bags comprising: a plurality of the laminated film bags of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the bags are stacked one on top of another, and are attached together to form a bundle.
• a laminated film bag containing food product comprising: a first exterior barrier film and a second exterior barrier film, each independently comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; a first interior transmission film and a second interior transmission film, each independently comprising transmission resin; and a liquid active comprising volatile compound, wherein the sides and bottom of the bag are heat sealed through all transmission and barrier films, wherein the food product is positioned in space between the first and second interior transmission films, wherein the space creates a low vapor concentration partial pressure that draws the liquid active into the space containing the food product, wherein the barrier film and the transmission film are thermoplastic weldable, wherein an interface is formed by the first exterior barrier film and the first interior transmission film, and an interface is formed by the second exterior barrier film and the second interior transmission film, wherein the liquid active, when present at an interface, matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface, and wherein the liquid active is in vapor form when present in the space containing the food product.
• PVD polyvinyl alcohol
• PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
• EVOH ethylene vinyl alcohol
• barrier film further comprises adhesive resin positioned between the barrier resin and transmission resin.
• EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
• EMA ethylene-methyl acrylate
• EAA ethylene-acrylic acid
• AMP ethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride
• LDPE low density polyethylene
• VLDPE very low density polyethylene
• LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
• a method of manufacturing a plurality of laminated film bags comprising: a) providing a roll of barrier film comprising barrier resin encased within transmission resin; b) providing a roll of transmission film comprising transmission resin; c) directing the barrier film and transmission film towards a lamination nip; d) dispensing a liquid active on a surface of the barrier film prior to pulling the barrier film and the transmission film through the lamination nip, wherein the surface of the barrier film is adjacent to the transmission film, and wherein the liquid active comprises volatile compound; e) pulling the barrier film and the transmission film through the lamination nip, thereby spreading the liquid active between the barrier film and the transmission film and producing a laminated film, wherein an interface is formed by the barrier film and the transmission film, wherein at least a portion of the barrier film is thermoplastic welded to the transmission film at the interface, and wherein the liquid active matches surface energy with the resin at the interface, and at least partially holds the barrier film and the transmission film together at the interface; f
• This example describes the manufacture of laminated film bags suitable for use as food packaging.
• Rolls of packaging film were acquired.
• One film roll was a LLDPE monolayer film for use as the transmission layer (0.918 g/cc density resin with a thickness of 1.0 mil (25.4 pm; a thousandth of an inch)) and a width of 40 inches.
• the other roll was a barrier film consisting of five layers (LLDPE/ Adhesive/EVOH/Adhesive/LLDPE) with a thickness of 1.0 mil and a width of 40 inches.
• the adhesive was a maleic anhydride based resin. Ethyl pyruvate was obtained at a 97% purity level.
• a double unwind was used to provide the two films to a lamination nip.
• a tube with a series of holes was placed in close proximity of the two nip rolls and in between the two layers of film.
• a variable peristaltic pump was used to convey the liquid to the tube at a prescribed rate of 50 ml per minute.
• Two zipper fin sealers were placed on either edge of the laminated films to provide two edge seals. Fin seal temperatures were adjusted to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The edges were tested for seal strength using a tensile tester and indicated a destruct seal strength.
• the film was then conveyed to a stationary V-folder to be folded in half in the machine direction leaving approximately 2 inches offset on one side.
• the resulting width of the folded film was 21 inches that included a 2 inch offset reserved for wicket holes and 19 inches reserved for the body of the bag.
• the folded film was then conveyed into the bag sealing machine which included a hole punching unit to provide wicket holes to be used in the wicketer section.
• the film was then conveyed to the reciprocating side sealer to create a leading and trailing bag seal and cut. Since the bags were manufactured in series from a continuous stream of film, there was always a leading and a trailing bag that were separated at the sealing and cutting section of the bag machine.
• the cut sealing temperature was set at 700 degree Fahrenheit, and the machine speed was set at 200 cycles per minute.
• the bags were conveyed by a vacuum arm to the wicket forks and stacked until an automated counter completed a stack of 100 bags.
• Two series of bags were manufactured with and without the liquid active.
• the two bag types were weighed to determine the loading concentration of the active by subtracting the average weight of the standard back versus the average weight of the liquid loaded bag which came to 0.26 grams of liquid per bag.
• the bags were stored in a high barrier pouch for one month. Individual bags were pulled out of the barrier pouch, weighed and placed inside out on a hanger for 24 hours. The bags were then reweighed and the average weight loss of 12 bags was calculated to be 0.24 grams.

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