WO2022223380A1

WO2022223380A1 - Paper-based or paperboard-based container

Info

Publication number: WO2022223380A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/059805
Authority: WO
Inventors: Esteban Roberto ROSES; Martin Kurt WIESER
Original assignee: Elopak As
Priority date: 2021-04-19
Filing date: 2022-04-12
Publication date: 2022-10-27
Also published as: EP4326629A1; NO20210492A1

Abstract

A paper-based or paperboard-based container for holding a pourable food product is disclosed. The container comprises a cover panel (100) mounted on the container forming an opening arrangement, the cover panel comprising an attachment section, a pivotable section and a hinge section, the attachment section being permanently attached to the container and the pivotable section being configured to be pivotably movable about the attachment section by means of the hinge section. The pivotable section is permanently attached to a weakened region in the container and comprises: a line of weakness (132) defining a first sub-section (134) of the pivotable section, the first sub-section being configured to break the weakened region to form an opening in the container during a first opening; and a cut (140) extending partway through the pivotable section defining a second sub-section (142) of the pivotable section, the second sub-section being permanently attached to the container adjacent the weakened region and configured to split at the depth of the second cut during the first opening separating into a first part-layer remaining permanently attached to the container and forming a pouring surface, and a second part-layer remaining integrated in the cover panel. A related method and a cover panel is also disclosed.

Description

PAPER-BASED OR PAPERBOARD-BASED CONTAINER

Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates to a paper-based or paperboard-based container for holding a pourable food product, the container comprising a laminate packaging sheet material which is folded to form said container.

In particular, the present disclosure relates to an opening arrangement in such a container.

Background

Within the art of paperboard-based packaging, it is known to produce a blank and fold and assemble the blank to produce a container. The container may then be utilised to hold a pourable food product, e.g. a liquid, e.g. dairy products, such as milk or yoghurt, or juices.

The blank is typically produced from a laminate packaging material, which typically comprises a multi-ply paperboard sheet on which is laminated one or a plurality of barrier layers for holding the food product and/or prevent migration of air and flavours through the paperboard. A barrier layer may typically comprise a polyethylene or an aluminium layer.

A method of producing the blank from the laminate packaging material typically comprises the steps of cutting the laminate packaging material to a predefined shape, and a method of producing the container from the blank typically comprises the step of folding the blank along predefined folding lines to produce the container.

The blank may be provided with crease lines in the laminate packaging material to aid folding of the blank along the folding lines. A crease line, or crease, may be defined as an embossed or impressed depression on one side of the laminate packaging material with a corresponding raised ridge or welt, also referred to as the bead, on the other side forming a line along which the laminate packaging material is structurally weakened and along which the laminate packaging material will bend or fold when pressure is applied.

Alternatively, a paperboard-based container may be produced in a roll-fed process in which a continuous web of laminate packaging material is fed to a filling machine, folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube. The tube is then filled with the pourable food product, sealed and cut transversally to form so called pouches. The pouches are than provided with an opening device and manipulated to obtain its final, gable-top form. Said manipulation typically involves folding down and securing gable sections of the carton to side panel section of the same.

The container may be provided with an opening arrangement allowing a consumer to open the container to access the food product. In the prior art, it is known to use plastic opening arrangement, such as arrangements comprising plastic pour spouts and lid portions. However, there is a general need for opening arrangements requiring less plastic. An object of the present disclosure is to addresses this problem. Summary of the invention

With the abovementioned challenges and known solutions in mind, and according to a first example aspect, the present disclosure provides a paper-based or paperboard-based container for holding a pourable food product, the container comprising a cover panel mounted on the container forming an opening arrangement, the cover panel comprising an attachment section, a pivotable section and a hinge section, the attachment section being permanently attached to the container and the pivotable section being configured to be pivotably movable about the attachment section by means of the hinge section, wherein the pivotable section is permanently attached to a weakened region in the container and comprises:

- a line of weakness defining a first sub-section of the pivotable section, the first sub-section being configured to break the weakened region to form an opening in the container during a first opening; and

- a cut extending partway through the pivotable section defining a second sub-section of the pivotable section, the second sub-section being permanently attached to the container adjacent the weakened region and configured to split at the depth of the second cut during the first opening separating into a first part-layer remaining permanently attached to the container and forming a pouring surface, and a second part-layer remaining integrated in the cover panel.

The first sub-section may be permanently attached to the weakened region.

The first part-layer may comprise a pouring lip. The pouring lip may be arranged at a transition region between a front panel section and a top panel section of the container.

The first part-layer may encircle at least a part of the opening.

The line of weakness may comprise a line of weakness segment which at least partly aligns with a line of weakness in the container defining the opening.

The cover panel may comprise a paper-based or paperboard-based laminated sheet material. An advantage of this configuration of the cover panel is that the container can be recycled together with the cover panel. The laminated sheet material may have a base weight within the range of 200 to 500 g/m². The laminated sheet material may have a thickness within the range of 350 to 700 pm.

The cut may extend extends into the cover panel to a depth within the range of 0.2 to 0.9 times the thickness of the cover panel or, more preferably, within the range of 0.3 to 0.8 times the thickness of the cover panel.

According to a second example aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of providing a pouring arrangement in paper-based or paperboard-based container for holding a pourable food product, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a weakened region in the container configured to be broken during a first opening of the container revealing an opening for dispensing the food product;

- providing a cover panel comprising an attachment section, a pivotable section and a hinge section, the pivotable section comprising:

- a line of weakness defining a first sub-section of the pivotable section, the first sub section being configured to break the weakened region to form an opening in the container during a first opening; and;

- a cut extending partway through the pivotable section defining a second sub-section of the pivotable section, the second sub-section being configured to split at the depth of the second cut during the first opening separating into a first part-layer remaining permanently attached to the container and forming a pouring surface, and a second part-layer remaining integrated in the cover panel;

- attaching the attachment section permanently to the container;

- attaching the pivotable section to the weakened region; and

- attaching the second sub-section permanently to the container adjacent the weakened region.

The step of attaching the pivotable section permanently to the weakened region may comprise attaching the first sub-section permanently to the weakened region.

According to a third example aspect, the present disclosure provides a paper-based or paperboard-based cover panel which is configured to be mounted on a paper-based or paperboard-based container to form an opening arrangement for the container, the cover panel comprising an attachment section, a pivotable section and a hinge section, the attachment section being configured to be permanently attached to the container and the pivotable section being configured to be pivotably movable about the attachment section by means of the hinge section, wherein the pivotable section is configured to be permanently attached to a weakened region in the container and comprises:

- a cut extending partway through the pivotable section defining a second sub-section of the pivotable section, the second sub-section being configured to be permanently attached to the container adjacent the weakened region and, during the first opening, to separate at the depth of the second cut into a first part-layer remaining permanently attached to the container and forming a pouring surface, and a second part-layer remaining integrated in the cover panel. In said paper-based or paperboard-based cover panel, the first sub-section may be configured to be permanently attached to the weakened region.

Above-discussed preferred and/or optional features of each aspect of the disclosure may be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects of the disclosure.

Description of the drawings

Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the disclosure:

Fig. 1 illustrates a front surface of a cover panel;

Fig. 2 illustrates a back surface of the cover panel according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a hinge of the cover panel according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cover panel taken along the line indicated as IV-IV in Fig 2;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the cover panel according to Fig. 1 indicating a position of a container opening;

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the cover panel according to Fig. 1 indicating regions where the cover panel is attached to a container;

Fig. 6' is a bottom view of the cover panel according to Fig. 1 indicating alternative regions where the cover panel is attached to a container;

Fig. 7 illustrates the cover panel according to Fig. 1 mounted on a container;

Fig. 8 illustrates the container according to Fig. 7 in an open position;

Fig. 9 illustrates the container according to Fig. 8 with the cover panel in a locked position;

Fig. 10 illustrates the cover panel according to Fig. 1 mounted on an alternative embodiment of a container;

Fig. 11 shows a front surface of strip of part-formed cover panels;

Fig. 12 show a back surface of a strip of part-formed cover panels;

Fig. 13 shows a roll of part-formed cover panels.

It should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings.

In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used to indicate common parts, elements or features unless otherwise explicitly stated or implicitly understood by the context.

Detailed description In the following embodiments of containers will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, it is specifically intended that the invention as defined in the claims is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein but includes modified forms of the embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the claims.

Figs. 1 and 2 show a cover panel 100 which is configured to be attached to a paper-based or paperboard-based container configured for holding a pourable food product. In particular, the cover panel 100 is configured to form part of an opening arrangement of the container. Fig. 1 shows a frontside view of the cover panel 100 and Fig. 2 a backside view of the same.

The cover panel 100 comprises a front surface 102 and a back surface 104. When the cover panel 100 is mounted on the container and prior to a first opening of the same, the back surface 104 is configured to face the container (see also Fig. 7). Consequently, the front surface 102 is configured to face away from the container.

The cover panel 100 comprises first and second side edges 106, 108, a top edge 110 and a bottom edge 112. In the present embodiment, the side edges 106 and 108 are generally rectilinear and parallel, and the top and bottom edges 110, 112 are curvilinear.

The cover panel 100 comprises an attachment or fastener section 114, a pivotable section 116 and a hinge section 118. The attachment section 114 is configured to be permanently attached to a top panel section of the container and the pivotable section 116 is configured to be pivotably movable about the attachment section 114 by means of the hinge section 118 (see also Fig. 8).

In the present embodiment, the hinge section 118 comprises two hinges 120 and the attachment section 114 comprises two tabs 122 which are separated from the pivotable section 116 by the hinges 120.

Each hinge 120 comprises first and second rectilinear and substantially parallel crease lines 124 and 126 which extend substantially orthogonal to the side edges 106, 108 inside the cover panel 100, i.e. at a distance from but orthogonal to the side edges. The two crease lines 124 are substantially coaxial, as are the second crease lines 126.

For each hinge 120 the hinge arrangement 118 further comprises a first line of weakness 128 extending between the top edge 110 and the crease line pair (see Fig. 3) and a second line of weakness 130 extending between the respective side edge (in Fig. 3, only side edge 106 is visible) and the crease line pair. The lines of weakness 128, 130 may be through-cuts, i.e. cuts extending all the way through the cover panel 100, i.e. from the front surface 102 to the back surface 104 of the cover panel, possibly comprising breakable bridges 131.

The first and second lines of weakness 128, 130 each comprises a first section 128a, 130a extending substantially orthogonal to the crease lines 124, 126 and interconnect end points of the same. Further, the first line of weakness 128 comprises a second section 128b extending substantially coaxial to the first crease line 124 and the second line of weakness 130 comprises a second section 130b extending parallel to but slightly offset the axis of the first crease line 124 in the direction of the tab 122. Consequently, each line of weakness 128, 130 is substantially L-shaped.

If the lines of weakness 128 and 130 are not already provided as through-cuts, the lines of weakness 128 and 130 are configured to break during a first opening of the opening arrangement. As previously stated, the two crease lines 124 are axially aligned, as are the two crease lines 126 (see e.g. Fig. 1). Thus, due to the lines of weakness 128 and 130 isolating the crease lines 124 and 126, the crease lines will provide a dual axes pivot hinge for the pivotable section 116 when the opening arrangement is activated.

The cover panel 100 further comprises a line of weakness 132 arranged centrally in the pivotable section 116 and defining a first sub-section 134 of the pivotable section 116 (see Figs. 1 and 2). The line of weakness 132 may be a through-cut, i.e. extend through the pivotable section 116 from the front surface 102 to the back surface 104, possibly comprising breakable bridges 133. The line of weakness 132 is not closed however, but a permanent bridge 136 is provided keeping the sub-section 134 connected to the rest of the pivotable section 116.

The line of weakness 132 comprises a segment 138 which, when the opening arrangement is in a closed position, is configured to substantially align with a pouring edge of an opening in the container on which the cover panel is mounted (see also Figs. 5 and 8). In the present embodiment, the cover panel 100 is configured to be mounted on a container having a circular opening and, consequently, the segment 138 forms a circle sector.

The cover panel 100 also comprises a cut 140 extending partway through the pivotable section 116 from the back surface 104 thereof (see Fig. 2). This type of cut is sometimes referred to as a half-cut - as compared to a through-cut, which extends all the way through the cut sheet material. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cover panel showing the line of weakness 132 in the form of a through-cut extending all the way through the cover panel and the cut 140 extending only part-way through the same. In the present embodiment, the depth of the cut 140, i.e. the orthogonal extent of the cut 140 from the back surface 104, is approximately 0.6 times the thickness of the sheet material from which the cover panel 100 is made.

The half-cut 140 defines a second sub-section 142 of the pivotable section 116, which second sub-section 140 abuts the first sub-section 134 along the segment 138. In the present embodiment, the half-cut 140 extends between the end points of the segment 138 and the second sub-section 142 defined by the half-cut 140 is generally U-shaped.

In the present embodiment, the pivotable section 116 comprises a third sub-section 146 arranged adjacent the bottom edge 112, which sub-section is configured to form a pull-tab of the opening arrangement. As previously stated, the cover panel 100 is configured to be attached to a paper-based or paperboard-based container to form part of an opening arrangement of the container. Fig. 7 shows a paper-based or paperboard-based container 200 on which a cover panel 100 is mounted. The container of the type illustrated in Fig. 7 is commonly referred to as a gable- top carton. As is known in the art, such containers are commonly configured for holding a pourable food product. The food product may typically be a pourable liquid, e.g. a fruit juice or a dairy product, e.g. milk.

The container 200 is generally produced by folding and sealing a laminate packaging sheet material. The container may be produced by providing individual sheets of the sheet material to a filing machine in which the individual sheets, which are commonly referred to as blanks, are folded, filled and sealed. Sealing is typically effectuated by hot-sealing or hot-welding polymer layers in the sheet material, e.g. polyethylene (PE) layers. Sealing may alternatively be effectuated by gluing. The process of folding, filling and sealing a blank is known as such and will not be discussed further in any detail here.

The container 200 comprises a front panel section 202, a top panel section 204 and a top fin 206. A crease line 208 forms a border between the top panel section 204 and the top fin 206. In the present embodiment, a crease line 210 also forms a border between the front panel section 202 and the top panel section 204. However, in other embodiments of containers, such a crease line may be omitted and the top panel section 204 may continuously transition into the front panel section 202, thus providing a curved transition region between the panel sections 202 and 204. An example of such a container 200' is shown in Fig. 10.

The container 200 displays a weakened region in which the sheet material of the container is configured to break to form an opening in the container. The cover panel 100 is configured to be positioned over the weakened region to form the opening arrangement of the container.

In the present embodiment, the weakened region is defined by a loop of weakness in the top panel section 204 of the container, which loop of weakness is formed by a cut extending partway through the sheet material of the container orthogonally from an outside surface thereof. As previously stated, this type of cut is sometimes referred to as a half-cut - as compared to a through-cut, which extends all the way through the sheet material. In Fig. 7 this cut is covered by the cover panel 100 and, consequently, is not visible. However, the position of the cut 212 when the cover panel 100 mounted on the top surface section is indicated in Fig. 5. Because the cut 212 does not extend all the way through the sheet material of the container 100, the container will be hermetically sealed until the first opening. In the longitudinal direction, the cut 212 may be continuous. Alternatively, the cut 212 may be discontinuous, i.e. comprise continuous, cut sections separated by sections of uncut sheet material forming bridges. If the sheet material of the container 100 comprises a polymer layer forming an inside surface of the container, it may be advantageous if the cut 212 extends into the sheet material to said polymer layer. In such a configuration, only the inside polymer layer needs to be broken during the first opening. Generally, however, the cut may extend into the sheet material to a depth which is within the range of 10% to 90% of the thickness of the sheet material.

The cut 212 partially encircles a sub-panel section 214 of the container top panel section 204, which sub-panel section 214 is configured to be partially separated and pivoted away from the rest of the top panel section 204 to reveal an opening 216 in the container 200 when the opening arrangement 300 is brought to an open position, e.g. as is illustrated in Fig. 8, thus allowing the content inside the container to be poured or accessed.

The weakened region may alternatively be produced using pre-laminated hole (PLH) techniques, in which a through-hole is produced and subsequently covered and sealed by a sealing layer, e.g. a polymer film.

The method of mounting the cover panel 100 on the container 200 comprises positioning the cover panel 100 over the sub-panel section 214 such that the segment 138 is aligned with the half-cut 212 and the sub-region 134 at least partially overlaps the sub-panel section 214, as is indicated in Fig. 5 and permanently attaching the back surface 104 of the cover panel 100 to the container 200 in the regions of the tabs 122 and the sub-regions 134 and 142 (e.g. see Fig. 2). As is disclosed in Fig. 7, in the present embodiment the cover panel 100 is dimensioned such that the pull-tab 146 extends down onto the front panel section 202 when the opening arrangement 300 is in the closed position. In order to facilitate for the cover panel 100 to conform with the transition between the top panel section 204 and the front panel section 202 when it is attached to the container 200, the cover panel 100 may be provided with lines of weakness 148, e.g. through-cuts, arranged in the cover panel 100 at the base of the pull-tab 146, which lines of weakness 148 are configured to align with the crease line 210 (see Fig. 7). To ensure that the pull-tab 146 abuts the front panel section 202, the method of attaching the cover panel 100 to the container 200 may also comprise the step of non-permanently attaching the back surface 104 of the cover panel to the container in the sub-region of the pull-tab 146.

Fig. 6 shows a back surface view of the cover panel indicating examples of regions 164 where the cover panel may be configured to be permanently attached to the container and regions 166 where the cover panel may be configured to be non-permanently attached to the container. Permanent and non-permanent attachment of the cover panel to the container may be effectuated by hot-welding or gluing.

As is evident from Fig. 6, the regions 164 comprises a region 164a which is aligned with sub-panel section 214, thus permanently attaching sub-panel section 214 with the pivotable section 116 of the cover panel 100. In the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 6, this region 164a extends into sub-section 134.

Fig. 6' shows a back surface view of the cover panel indicating an alternative embodiment where the region 164a does not extend into sub-section 134. The cover panel 100 may advantageously be mounted on the container 200 after the container has been filled and sealed. However, the cover panel may alternatively be mounted on the container prior to filling and sealing or even prior to folding.

When bringing the opening arrangement 300 from a closed position (see Fig. 7) to an open position (see Fig. 8) during a first opening, an operator manually manipulates the pivotable section 116 of the cover panel 100 by lifting the pull-tab 146 and pivoting the pivotable section 116 outwards and upwards about the hinges 120. This operation will break the non-permanent attachment between the pull-tab 146 and the front panel section 202, if present, and also break the lines of weakness 128, 130 in the hinges 122 (if not already provided as through-cuts). Since the sub-panel 214 is permanently attached to the pivotable section 116, e.g. to the sub-section 134 as is disclosed in Fig. 6, this operation will also break the sheet material of the container 100 along the cut 212 (see Fig. 5) and separate the sub panel 214 from the top panel section 204, thus revealing the opening 216, as is illustrated in Fig. 8.

Breaking of the cut 212 may be facilitated by the operator, prior to lifting the pull-tab 146, pressing down onto the sub-section 134 (see Fig. 2), thus bringing the sub-section 134 to bear down on the sub-panel section 212 and weaken or, more preferably, break the cut 212, starting at the section of the cut 212 underlying segment 138 (see Fig. 5). The bridge 136 will ensure that the operator does not inadvertently introduce his finger into the container.

Also, due to the cut 140 extending part-way through the sheet material of the cover panel 100, the operation of lifting the pull-tab 146 and pivoting the pivotable section 116 will cause the sheet material inside the sub-section 142 separate to form a first part-layer 152 remaining permanently attached to the top panel section 204 and a second part-layer 154 remaining integrated in the cover panel (see Fig. 8). This separation will occur at the depth of the cut 140 along a plane substantially parallel to the back surface 104, thus leaving the first part- layer 152 protruding from the surface of the top panel section 204 and forming a pouring surface 156 for the pourable product. Advantageously, the cut 140 comprises a substantially rectilinear segment 158 (see Fig. 2) which aligns with the crease line 210 or, even more preferably, extends slightly beyond the crease line 210, thus creating a pouring lip 160 preventing the pourable product from spilling down onto and sullying the front panel section 202 when the pourable product is dispensed through the opening 216.

The advantage of having such a pouring lip may be even more pronounced in container embodiments having a curved transition region between the front panel section 202 and the top panel sections 204, e.g. as is disclosed in Fig. 10.

The cut 140 may preferably extend into the cover panel 100 to a depth within the range of 0.2 to 0.9 or, more preferably, within the range of 0.3 to 0.8 times the thickness of the cover panel 100, thus resulting in a first part-layer 152 protruding from the surface of the container 100 to a corresponding height. The tabs 122 are permanently attached to the top panel section 204 adjacent the top fin 206, thus allowing the hinges 120 to provide a dual pivot axes arrangement having pivot axes that are substantially parallel to the crease line 208. As is disclosed in Fig. 8, the dual pivot axes arrangement will allow the pivotable section 116 to be locked in the upright position. Alternatively, or in addition, locking in the upright position may be provided by lines of weakness or through-cuts 162 in the cover panel 100 allowing the pivotable section 116 to be positioned such that it straddles the top fin 206, as is illustrated in Fig. 9.

When bringing the opening arrangement 300 from the open position to the closed position, the operator pivots the pivotable section 116 back to its original position, pushing on the sub-section 134 to bring the sub-panel section 214 back into the opening 216. In this position the cut edges of the cut 212 will interact and contribute to keep the pivotable section 116 in the closed position, i.e. substantially planar to the top panel section 204. When brought back to the closed position, the part-layers 154, 156 will be brought into contact with each other, thus covering and protecting the pouring surface 156.

The cover panel 100 may preferably be made from a multi-ply paper or paperboard sheet material, e.g. having a base weight within the range of 250-400 g/m². The sheet material may comprise outer polymer layers. This will allow the cover panel 100 to be hot-sealed or hot- welded to the container, e.g. using an ultrasonic welding technique. Alternatively, the cover panel 100 may be glued to the container or attached thereto by other means. The cover panel 100 may advantageously be made from a laminate packaging sheet material of the same or a similar quality as the sheet material from which the container 200 is made. This will facilitate recycling of the container.

The curvilinear top and a bottom edges 110, 112 (see Figs. 1 and 2) may advantageously be congruent, i.e. display the same shape and size. This will allow cover panels to be part- formed on strips, e.g. as is shown in Figs. 11 and 12, or on rolls, e.g. as is shown in Fig. 13. The individual cover panels may then be produced by cutting the strip or rolls according to the congruent edge pattern, thus creating a top edge and a bottom edge in the same cutting operation. The cover panels may advantageously be distributed, partly formed, to the filling and sealing machines on strips or rolls and then cut and mounted on the containers in or adjacent to the filling and sealing machine.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which, for clarity, have been described above in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which, for brevity, have been described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

In the preceding description, various aspects of the blank and container according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the apparatus, which are apparent to person skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject-matter pertains, may lie within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A paper-based or paperboard-based container (200, 200') for holding a pourable food product, the container (200, 200') comprising a cover panel (100) mounted on the container (200, 200') forming an opening arrangement, the cover panel (100) comprising an attachment section (114), a pivotable section (116) and a hinge section (118), the attachment section (114) being permanently attached to the container (200) and the pivotable section (116) being configured to be pivotably movable about the attachment section (114) by means of the hinge section (118), characterised by the pivotable section (116) being permanently attached to a weakened region (212, 214) in the container (200) and the pivotable section (116) comprising: a line of weakness (132) defining a first sub-section (134) of the pivotable section (116), the first sub-section (134) being configured to break the weakened region (212, 214) to form an opening (216) in the container (200, 200') during a first opening; and a cut (140) extending partway through the pivotable section (116) defining a second sub section (142) of the pivotable section (116), the second sub-section (142) being permanently attached to the container (200, 200') adjacent the weakened region (212, 214) and configured to split at the depth of the second cut (140) during the first opening separating into a first part-layer (152) remaining permanently attached to the container (100) and forming a pouring surface (156), and a second part-layer (154) remaining integrated in the cover panel (100).

2. The container (200, 200') according to claim 1, wherein the first sub-section (134) is permanently attached to the weakened region (212, 214).

3. The container (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part-layer (152) comprises a pouring lip (160).

4. The container (200, 200') according to claim 3, wherein the pouring lip (160) is arranged at a transition region between a front panel section (202) and a top panel section (204) of the container (200, 200').

5. The container (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part-layer (152) encircles at least a part of the opening (216).

6. The container (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line of weakness (132) comprises a segment (138) which at least partly aligns with a line of weakness (212) in the container (200, 200') defining the opening (216).

7. The container (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover panel (100) comprises a laminated sheet material having a base weight within the range of 200 to 500 g/m².

8. The container (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cut (140) extends into the cover panel (100) to a depth within the range of 0.2 to 0.9 times the thickness of the cover panel (100).

9. The container (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover panel (100) comprises a laminated sheet material having a thickness within the range of 350 to 700 pm.

10. A method of providing a pouring arrangement in paper-based or paperboard-based container (200, 200') for holding a pourable food product, the method comprising the steps of: providing a weakened region (212, 214) in the container (200, 200') configured to be broken during a first opening of the container (200, 200') revealing an opening (216) for dispensing the food product; providing a cover panel (100) comprising an attachment section (114), a pivotable section (116) and a hinge section (118), the pivotable section (116) comprising: a line of weakness (132) defining a first sub-section (134) of the pivotable section (116), the first sub-section (134) being configured to break the weakened region (212, 214) to form an opening (216) in the container (200, 200') during a first opening; and; a cut (140) extending partway through the pivotable section (116) defining a second sub-section (142) of the pivotable section (116), the second sub-section (142) being configured to split at the depth of the second cut (140) during the first opening separating into a first part-layer (152) remaining permanently attached to the container (100) and forming a pouring surface (156), and a second part-layer (154) remaining integrated in the cover panel (100); attaching the attachment section (114) permanently to the container (200, 200'); attaching the pivotable section (116) permanently to the weakened region (212, 214); and attaching the second sub-section (142) permanently to the container (200, 200') adjacent the weakened region (212, 214).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said step of attaching the pivotable section (116) permanently to the weakened region (212, 214) comprises attaching the first sub section (134) permanently to the weakened region (212, 214).

12. A paper-based or paperboard-based cover panel (100) which is configured to be mounted on a paper-based or paperboard-based container (200, 200') to form an opening arrangement for the container (200, 200'), the cover panel (100) comprising an attachment section (114), a pivotable section (116) and a hinge section (118), the attachment section (114) being configured to be permanently attached to the container (200) and the pivotable section (116) being configured to be pivotably movable about the attachment section (114) by means of the hinge section (118), characterised by the pivotable section (116) being configured to be permanently attached to a weakened region (212, 214) in the container (200) and the pivotable section (116) comprising: a line of weakness (132) defining a first sub-section (134) of the pivotable section (116), the first sub-section (134) being configured to break the weakened region (212, 214) to form an opening (216) in the container (200, 200') during a first opening; and a cut (140) extending partway through the pivotable section (116) defining a second sub section (142) of the pivotable section (116), the second sub-section (142) being configured to be permanently attached to the container (200) adjacent the weakened region (212, 214) and, during the first opening, to separate at the depth of the second cut (140) into a first part-layer (152) remaining permanently attached to the container (100) and forming a pouring surface (156), and a second part- layer (154) remaining integrated in the cover panel (100).

13. The paper-based or paperboard-based cover panel (100) according to claim 12, wherein the first sub-section (134) is configured to be permanently attached to the weakened region (212, 214).