WO2023072999A1 - Capsule for the preparation of a beverage - Google Patents
Capsule for the preparation of a beverage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023072999A1 WO2023072999A1 PCT/EP2022/079900 EP2022079900W WO2023072999A1 WO 2023072999 A1 WO2023072999 A1 WO 2023072999A1 EP 2022079900 W EP2022079900 W EP 2022079900W WO 2023072999 A1 WO2023072999 A1 WO 2023072999A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cellulose pulp
- fluid injection
- injection portion
- shaped body
- surrounding
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 73
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 95
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 95
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 70
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 229920003043 Cellulose fiber Polymers 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 45
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000004629 polybutylene adipate terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 8
- -1 polybutylene succinate Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000004631 polybutylene succinate Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920002961 polybutylene succinate Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000013047 polymeric layer Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009210 therapy by ultrasound Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920002988 biodegradable polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004621 biodegradable polymer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009264 composting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000003085 diluting agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004626 polylactic acid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 4
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- ORTVZLZNOYNASJ-UPHRSURJSA-N (z)-but-2-ene-1,4-diol Chemical compound OC\C=C/CO ORTVZLZNOYNASJ-UPHRSURJSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000609240 Ambelania acida Species 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000017166 Bambusa arundinacea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000017491 Bambusa tulda Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000012766 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000012765 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. spontanea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 2
- 244000082204 Phyllostachys viridis Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000015334 Phyllostachys viridis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000209140 Triticum Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000021307 Triticum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000008042 Zea mays Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000010905 bagasse Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011425 bamboo Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000009120 camo Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910002090 carbon oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000005607 chanvre indien Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011121 hardwood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011487 hemp Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011122 softwood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000014347 soups Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000298479 Cichorium intybus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007542 Cichorium intybus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000005979 Hordeum vulgare Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007340 Hordeum vulgare Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241001028048 Nicola Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013350 formula milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001802 infusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000013570 smoothie Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000015192 vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/804—Disposable containers or packages with contents which are mixed, infused or dissolved in situ, i.e. without having been previously removed from the package
- B65D85/8043—Packages adapted to allow liquid to pass through the contents
Definitions
- the present invention concerns a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device.
- the capsule comprises a cup-shaped body wherein at least said body is shaped from a cellulose pulp-based material.
- Containers or capsules made from a cellulose pulp-based material are known in the field of beverage preparation devices.
- Cellulose pulp-based materials are also known which are capable of maintaining the qualities of the beverage substance in the capsule, at least for a certain period of time.
- Single-use capsules for preparing a beverage in a beverage production device are also known.
- cellulose pulp-based single-use capsules provide a potential reduced environmental impact compared to capsules made of other materials.
- cellulose pulp-based capsules used in beverage preparation devices typic comprise a member enclosing the capsule during the beverage preparation process and the injection of water in the capsule for the preparation of the beverage.
- the present invention aims to improve the ability to be pierced by the known piercing elements of a usual beverage preparation devices, of capsules made of cellulose pulp-based materials.
- the invention as claimed in claim 1 is a capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation device, comprising: a cup-shaped body, a cover for closing the cup-shaped body, and an annular flange for the cover to seal thereon.
- the cup-shaped body comprises: a bottom wall, a tubular lateral wall and the flange.
- the bottom wall comprises: at least a fluid injection portion, suitable for being pierced by a piercing member of the beverage preparation device, and at least a surrounding portion surrounding said first fluid injection portion.
- the cup-shaped body comprises a cellulose pulp layer made of cellulose pulp, and an oxygen barrier liner.
- the stiffness of the cellulose pulp layer of the fluid injection portion is greater than the stiffness of the cellulose pulp layer of the surrounding portion, and the cellulose pulp layer of the fluid injection portion comprises ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp.
- the density of the ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion is increased with respect to the density of the cellulose pulp of said surrounding portion.
- the difference between the density DI of the fluid injection portion and the density D2 of the surrounding portions is a value comprised between 0,1% of DI and 20% of DI, that is:
- the difference between the density DI of the fluid injection portion and the density D2 of the surrounding portions is a value comprised between 5% of DI and 10% of DI, that is:
- the ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion comprises one or more of the following features:
- the amount of the hydrogen bonds and/or the hornification value of the fibres of the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion is increased with respect to the amount of the hydrogen bonds and/or the hornification value of the non-ultrasonically treated fibres of the cellulose pulp of the surrounding portion, surrounding said fluid injection portion;
- the orientation of the fibres of the fibres of the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion is different from the orientation of the non-ultrasonically treated fibres of the cellulose pulp of the surrounding portion, surrounding said fluid injection portion;
- the water retention value (WRV) of the fibres of the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion is decreased with respect to the water retention value of the non-ultrasonically treated fibres of the cellulose pulp of the surrounding portion, surrounding said fluid injection portion.
- only the cellulose pulp layer of the cup shaped body is ultrasonically stiffened, the oxygen barrier layer of the cup shaped body not being ultrasonically treated.
- the cupshaped body is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
- the thickness of the ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp layer of said fluid injection portion is decreased by 20% - 70%, preferably by 50%, with respect to the thickness of the cellulose pulp layer of the surrounding non-ultrasonically treated portions.
- the oxygen barrier liner comprises a thermoformable polymer.
- the capsule of the invention is a single use coffee capsule.
- cellulose pulp refers to a pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
- cellulose fibres refers to fibres having a wood and/or a wood free origin.
- the fibres are: hard wood cellulose fibres, soft wood cellulose fibres, wheat fibres, corn fibres, bagasse fibres, bamboo fibres, hemp fibres, cotton fibres, other similar vegetable or plant fibres, or a combination thereof.
- the cup shaped body made of cellulose pulp comprises at least one oxygen barrier liner made of one, preferably several layers.
- the oxygen barrier liner is made of a known mono or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising for example a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body of the capsule.
- a preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.
- the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of following layers:
- an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof,
- PBSA / bioPBS polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- starch starch
- cellulose derivates polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof
- first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- barrier layer comprising a polymer selected within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof,
- a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.
- PBSA polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- PHA polyhydroxyalcanoates
- the cover is made in a known material, preferably it is a polymeric film membrane.
- the cover may be flat, i.e., non- formed in a three-dimensional shape.
- the cover is sealed onto a sealing layer of the cup shaped body opening, in order to close it after filling with an ingredient.
- the cup shaped body of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding in a mould a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.
- the "barrier liner" mentioned above is laminated on the inside and/or outside surface of said body.
- the barrier to oxygen for both the cover and the cup shaped body is selected to provide a sufficient shelf life depending on the nature of the beverage ingredients.
- the shelf life expected may be of 12 months.
- the cellulose layer of the cup shaped body, its oxygen barrier liner and/or the cover of the capsule are made of home compostable materials.
- the capsules according to the invention are normally meant to be recycled in recycling processes that are organized at official recycling facilities according to national regulations (for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams).
- national regulations for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams.
- said capsules are designed with materials that are naturally ready to be degraded by bacteria and in conditions of temperature and humidity that are naturally present in nature. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules will not stay in nature and will naturally disappear within a short period of time (a few weeks in principle) within the conditions defined by home composability standards.
- home composability is now well defined on a national level and mainly based on international standard EN 13432; therefore, they do not require to be further defined in-depth in the present specification.
- Materials or products compliant with these standards can be recognized by a conformity mark stating their home composability.
- Some examples of home composability certifications at a national level include, but are not limited to, the following.
- the certifier TUV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a home composability certification scheme
- DIN CERTCO offers a certification for home composability according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006.
- the French Standard "NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting” was introduced. This standard is covered in the DIN CERTCO scheme.
- the preparation of the beverage is obtained by mixing of the fluid substance with an ingredient contained in the capsule.
- the ingredients are chosen within the list of roast and ground coffee, compacted or not, soluble powder coffee or leaf tea.
- Dairy ingredients e.g., milk or creamer
- dairy ingredients could also be provided, as well as chocolate, fruit juices, soups, vegetable juices, bouillons, smoothies, purees, coulis, creams, chicory, barley, culinary aid, soup ingredient, infant formula or a combination thereof, in powdered soluble form, liquid concentrated form having various viscosities or in gel form.
- the beverage ingredients are roast and ground coffee.
- the capsule of the invention may typic interact with a beverage and/or food preparation device, such as by being fed with a diluent (e.g., hot, cold or ambient water) in the container; such diluent mixes, or interacts otherwise, with the beverage ingredients.
- a diluent e.g., hot, cold or ambient water
- mixing of the diluent with the beverage ingredient(s) it should be intended that all the ingredients contained in the capsule are in a form which is compatible with a generic mixing operation (dissolution, extraction or infusion) with the diluent to obtain the beverage product.
- Devices of this type are for example those used for the extraction of traditional Nespresso® capsules.
- the cavity delimited by the capsule body and cover of the capsule is essentially oxygen-free and the empty space is saturated with an inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon oxide and combinations thereof.
- the capsule has an internal pressure of gas above atmospheric pressure, due to the gas contained in the coffee and emanating in the cavity after sealing, such as carbon oxide and dioxide.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a capsule according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of figure 1;
- Figures 2A and 2B are schematic enlarged views of the portions of figure 2 indicated by the arrows W1 and W2, respectively;
- Figure 3 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of figure 1 in an intermediate phase of its manufacturing process
- Figure 4 is a schematic and partial longitudinal sectional view of the capsule of figure 1 when it is enclosed in a capsule enclosing member of a beverage preparation device.
- the capsule shown in figures 1 and 2 comprises a cup-shaped body 1, a cover 2 for closing the cup-shaped body 1, and an annular flange 3 for the cover 2 to seal thereon.
- the cup-shaped body 1 comprises: a bottom wall 4, a tubular lateral wall 5 and the flange 3.
- the bottom wall 4 comprises: at least a fluid injection portion 7 (whose area has been highlighted with a dashed line in figure 2) suitable for being pierced by a piercing member 12 (in figure 4 two piercing members are shown) of a beverage device 10 for the preparation of the beverage, and at least a second portion 13A, 13B (in figure 1 two second portions are shown) surrounding said first fluid injection portion 7.
- the cup-shaped body 1 comprises a cellulose pulp layer 14 (figure 2A) made of cellulose pulp, and an oxygen barrier liner 15.
- the stiffness of the cellulose pulp layer 14 of the fluid injection portion 7 is greater than the stiffness of the cellulose pulp layer 14 of the portions 13A, 13B of the cup shaped body, surrounding said fluid injection portion 7, and said cellulose pulp layer 14 of the fluid injection portion 7 comprises ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp.
- This ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp increases the density of the cellulose pulp layer 14 of the fluid injection portion 7 relative to the cellulose pulp layer of the portions 13A, 13B of cup shaped body surrounding said fluid injection portion 7.
- the difference between the density DI of the fluid injection portion 7 and the density D2 of the surrounding portions 13A, 13B is a value comprised between 1% of DI and 20% of DI, that is:
- the difference between the density DI of the fluid injection portion 7 and the density D2 of the surrounding portions 13A, 13B is a value comprised between 5% of DI and 10% of DI, that is:
- ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp means an ultrasonically treatment of the first cellulose pulp layer 14 of the cup-shaped body 1 which is able to increase the stiffness of the pulp of the treated portion with respect to the pulp of other portions of the cup-shaped body 1 which are not ultrasonically treated.
- the ultrasonically stiffened cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion 7 comprises one or more of the following features:
- the amount of the hydrogen bonds and/or the hornification value of the fibres of the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion 7 is increased with respect to the amount of the hydrogen bonds and/or the hornification value of the non-ultrasonically treated fibres of the cellulose pulp of the surrounding portions 13A, 13B of the cup shaped body, surrounding said fluid injection portion 7;
- the orientation of the fibres of the fibres of the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion 7 is different from the orientation of the non-ultrasonically treated fibres of the cellulose pulp of the surrounding portions 13A, 13B of the cup shaped body, surrounding said fluid injection portion 7;
- the water retention value (WRV) of the fibres of the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp of the fluid injection portion 7 is decreased with respect to the water retention value of the non-ultrasonically treated fibres of the cellulose pulp of the surrounding portions 13A, 13B of the cup shaped body, surrounding said fluid injection portion 7.
- the ultrasonically treated cellulose pulp portions have distinguishing features relative to capsules wherein same portions are treated with other stiffening methods, for example with static load compression methods, and when these capsules are made of identical cellulose pulp.
- the cup-shaped body 1 is preferably revolutionary symmetrical.
- the tubular wall 5 has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross section and with an increasing diameter towards the annular flange 3.
- the lateral tubular wall 5, when seen in a longitudinal section, is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the cup-shaped body 1.
- the bottom wall 4 preferably comprises a first inclined wall 4A and a second wall 4B, so as to delimit a shallow concave volume.
- the first inclined wall 4A preferably has a frustoconical shape, with a circular cross section and with an increasing diameter towards the lateral wall 5.
- the second wall 4B is preferably flat or convex (from the point of view of the cavity 1A, i.e., protruding intern towards the cavity 1A) as shown in figure 2.
- the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1, and preferably its inclined wall 4A comprises the fluid injection potion 7 (whose area has been highlighted with a dashed line in the figure 2) suitable for being pierced by the piercing members 12 of the beverage device 10 for the preparation of the beverage.
- This fluid injection portion 7 has preferably an annular shape and has a width T1 (figure 2) which is comprised between 10% and 100% of the width T2 of the inclined wall 4A.
- the fluid injection portion 7 is surrounded by portions 13A, 13B of the bottom wall 4 of the cup which are preferably annular shaped parts of the inclined wall 4A.
- the fluid injection portion can be provided in the end wall 4B of the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body, for example in the center of the end wall 4B.
- the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body comprises a plurality of injection portions separated one from the other.
- fluid injection portion may have any suitable shape different from the annular one disclosed in the drawings.
- the ultrasonically treated fluid injection portion may extends over the entire inclined wall 4A or even over the entire bottom wall 4.
- the annular flange 3 comprises a preferably flat wall 3A.
- the beverage preparation device 10 comprises the movable enclosing member 9 and a support plate 11 for supporting the cover 2 of the capsule.
- This support plate 11 tears off the cover 2 and allows the beverage to flow out of the capsule when the liquid injected into the capsule by the liquid piercing members 1 creates a predetermined pressure in the capsule.
- the enclosing member 9 is movable from an initial position (not shown), which allows the introduction of the capsule in the beverage preparation device, and a brewing position (shown in figure 3), wherein the enclosing member 9 and the support plate 11 tightly enclose the capsule. In this position pressurized liquid is injected into the capsule through openings formed by one or more pointed piercing members 12 of the beverage preparation device 10.
- These pointed piercing members 12 are designed for piercing the bottom wall 4 of the cup-shaped body 1 at the injection portion 7 of this wall.
- the cup-shaped body 1 is made of cellulose pulp comprising cellulose fibres in a percentage ranging from 80% to 100% by weight.
- cellulose fibres refers to fibres having a wood and/or a wood free origin.
- the fibres are: hard wood cellulose fibres, soft wood cellulose fibres, wheat fibres, corn fibres, bagasse fibres, bamboo fibres, hemp fibres, cotton fibres, other similar vegetable or plant fibres, or a combination thereof.
- the oxygen barrier liner 15 is made of at least one layer and preferably several layers.
- the oxygen barrier liner 15 comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by a sealing layer for sealing said barrier liner to the cellulose pulp material.
- a preferred multilayer barrier liner comprises a core layer having oxygen and/or moisture barrier properties, surrounded by sealing layers for sealing said barrier liner onto the cellulose pulp.
- the barrier liner 15 is provided at all the inner surfaces of the cup-shaped body 1, such as to delimit at least the entire cavity lA for housing the beverage substance.
- the oxygen barrier liner 15 is made of a known mono or multilayer polymeric liner, comprising for example a polymer of fossil or non-fossil origin or a BioSource polymer, and is attached to the inner surface of the cellulose pulp cup shaped body of the capsule.
- the oxygen barrier liner comprises one or more of following layers:
- an outermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA / bioPBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof,
- PBSA / bioPBS polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- starch starch
- cellulose derivates polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA), or a combination thereof
- first tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- barrier layer comprising a polymer selected within the list of: butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a combination thereof,
- a second tie layer comprising a biodegradable modified or functionalized polyolefin
- an innermost polymeric layer comprising a biodegradable polymer selected within the list of: polybutylene succinate (PBSA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), starch, cellulose derivates, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHA) or a combination thereof.
- PBSA polybutylene succinate
- PBAT polybutylene adipate terephthalate
- PHA polyhydroxyalcanoates
- the first and outermost polymeric layer has a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 pm, and said layer has an elongation at break comprised between 10% and 800%, a melt flow rate (MFR) comprised between 2 and 4 when measured at 150°C during 10 minutes with a pressure of 2.16 kg, and said layer has a melting point temperature comprised below 80°C.
- MFR melt flow rate
- the first tie layer has melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 12 pm.
- the barrier layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 15 pm.
- the second tie layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 180°C and 230°C and a thickness comprised between 1 and 10 pm.
- the innermost polymeric layer has a thickness comprised between 10 and 50 pm, and said innermost layer has an elongation at break comprised between 10% and 1000%, a melt flow rate (MFR) comprised between 4 and 10 when measured at 190°C during 10 minutes with a pressure of 2.16 kg, and said layer has a melting point temperature comprised between 110°C and 180°C.
- MFR melt flow rate
- the cover 2 is made in a known material, preferably it is a polymeric film membrane.
- the cover 2 may be flat, i.e., non-formed in a three-dimensional shape.
- the cover 2 preferably comprises an oxygen barrier layer.
- the cup-shaped body 1 of the capsule is preferably obtained by moulding in a mould 16 (figure 3) a dry or wet, preferably wet, cellulose pulp.
- the cellulose layer 14 of the cup shaped body 1, its oxygen barrier liner 15 and/orthe cover 2 are made of home compostable materials.
- the capsules according to the invention are normally meant to be recycled in recycling processes that are organized at official recycling facilities according to national regulations (for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams).
- national regulations for instance in paper recycling streams, or in general garbage recycling or treatment streams.
- said capsules are designed with materials that are naturally ready to be degraded by bacteria and in conditions of temperature and humidity that are naturally present in nature. In this way, it is ensured that such capsules will not stay in nature and will naturally disappear within a short period of time (a few weeks in principle) within the conditions defined by home composability standards.
- home composability is now well defined on a national level and mainly based on international standard EN 13432; therefore, they do not require to be further defined in-depth in the present specification.
- Materials or products compliant with these standards can be recognized by a conformity mark stating their home composability.
- Some examples of home composability certifications at a national level include, but are not limited to, the following.
- the certifier TUV AUSTRIA BELGIUM offers such a home composability certification scheme
- DIN CERTCO offers a certification for home composability according to the Australian standard AS 5810. Italy has a national standard for composting at ambient temperature, UNI 11183:2006.
- the French Standard "NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home composting” was introduced. This standard is covered in the DIN CERTCO scheme.
- the moulding process is usual for the skilled person and will not be further described in detail. By this moulding process only the cellulose pulp layer 14 of the cup shaped body 1 is made.
- the portions of this cellulose pulp layer 15 in which the fluid injection portions 7 are to be obtained are ultrasonically treated.
- the sonotrode 17 has its active portion 17A, which emits the ultrasonic vibrations, having the same size and shape as that of the fluid injection portion 7.
- the width T3 of the sonotrode active portion 17A is the same as the width T1 (figure 2) of the fluid injection portion 7.
- ultrasonic vibrations are applied to a fluid injection portion 7 having an initial thickness comprised between 0,1 mm and 1,5 mm, preferably about 0,8 mm.
- the initial thickness is decreased by 20% - 70%, more preferably by 50%.
- ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the fluid injection portion 7 of the cellulose pulp layer 14 with a frequency comprised between 20 kHz and 70 kHz and preferably about 35KHz.
- ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the fluid injection portion 7 with an amplitude of the vibration comprised between 13 micrometres and 130 micrometres.
- ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the fluid injection portion 7 for a period of time comprised between 0,1 sec and 1 sec, preferably about 0,3 second.
- a compression load is applied to at least this fluid injection portion 7.
- the compression load is comprised between 1000 N and 2000 N and preferably is about 1500 N.
- the oxygen barrier liner 15 is applied to the internal and/or the external surface of the cup-shaped body 1 in a usual way for the skilled person.
- the oxygen barrier liner 15 is thermoformable polymer and is thermoformed on the cellulose pulp layer 14 of the capsule body 1.
- the ultrasonic treatment does not affect and/or damage the oxygen barrier liner.
- cup-shaped body and or the fluid injection portion may have a different shape.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
- Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2022378915A AU2022378915A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
CA3234518A CA3234518A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP21205483 | 2021-10-29 | ||
EP21205483.7 | 2021-10-29 |
Publications (1)
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WO2023072999A1 true WO2023072999A1 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
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PCT/EP2022/079900 WO2023072999A1 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2022-10-26 | Capsule for the preparation of a beverage |
Country Status (3)
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AU (1) | AU2022378915A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3234518A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023072999A1 (en) |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150314955A1 (en) * | 2014-05-02 | 2015-11-05 | Christopher M. Savage | Solution Mixing Cartridge |
WO2019064017A1 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2019-04-04 | Hpc Healthline Uk Limited | A biodegradable single-serve beverage cartridge |
-
2022
- 2022-10-26 WO PCT/EP2022/079900 patent/WO2023072999A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-10-26 CA CA3234518A patent/CA3234518A1/en active Pending
- 2022-10-26 AU AU2022378915A patent/AU2022378915A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150314955A1 (en) * | 2014-05-02 | 2015-11-05 | Christopher M. Savage | Solution Mixing Cartridge |
WO2019064017A1 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2019-04-04 | Hpc Healthline Uk Limited | A biodegradable single-serve beverage cartridge |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
TATSUMI DAISUKE ET AL: "Ultrasonic treatment to improve the quality of recycled pulp fiber", JOURNAL OF WOOD SCIENCE, SPRINGER SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, vol. 46, no. 5, 1 October 2000 (2000-10-01), pages 405 - 409, XP036418003, ISSN: 1435-0211, [retrieved on 20001001], DOI: 10.1007/BF00776405 * |
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CA3234518A1 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
AU2022378915A1 (en) | 2024-03-21 |
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