EP4626807A1

EP4626807A1 - Packaging for smoking or aerosol generating articles

Info

Publication number: EP4626807A1
Application number: EP23812955.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jens SCHÜRMANN; Frank FELLER
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-11-28
Filing date: 2023-11-27
Publication date: 2025-10-08
Also published as: JP2025539400A; WO2024115402A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pack (100) for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles comprising a plurality of sides (105-113) having outer surfaces (105a-113a), wherein at least a portion of at least one outer surface is coated with a scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material, and wherein at least a portion of two or more of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with an antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance. The present invention further relates to a method for forming the pack.

Description

PACKAGING FOR SMOKING OR AEROSOL GENERATING ARTICLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging for smoking or aerosol generating articles, said packaging providing an improved hygiene and fragrance experience for the consumer.

BACKGROUND

Consumers of smoking or aerosol generating articles are increasingly looking for an improved experience from the packs in which the smoking or aerosol generating articles are stored.

Packs able to transfer fragrance to a consumer’s fingers to reduce any lingering scent from the smoking or aerosol generating articles are desirable. In addition, the recent COVID-19 pandemic had led consumers to place increased importance on hygiene, especially with respect to items such as packs for smoking or aerosol generating articles that may be handled numerous times a day. However, such packs for smoking or aerosol generating articles are not only handled frequently but are typically formed of absorbent materials such as paperboard. It has therefore been difficult to find a viable hygienic solution that continually acts to permanently destroy harmful microorganisms on the packs.

It is therefore desirable to provide a pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles that provides a continual hygienic experience for the consumer, whilst also enabling fragrance to be imparted to the consumer as and when desired. It is particularly desirable if the hygienic experience can be imparted to the consumer without any effort on their part.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles comprising a plurality of sides having outer surfaces, wherein at least a portion of at least one outer surface is coated with a scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material, and wherein at least a portion of two or more of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with an antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:

(a) providing a blank having a plurality of regions, each region having a first and second surface;

(b) coating at least a portion of two or more of the first surfaces of the plurality of regions of the blank with the antimicrobial substrate and at least a portion of at least one of the first surfaces of the plurality of regions of the blank with the scent substrate; and

(c) assembling the blank into the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, such that the coated first surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of regions become the coated outer surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of sides of the pack.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of an antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance in providing an antimicrobial effect to a pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a blank coated with an antimicrobial substrate.

Figure 3 shows a blank coated with a scent substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It has been surprisingly and advantageously found that the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention provides consumers with a highly improved and desirable hygiene and fragrance experience.

The antimicrobial substrate coated on at least a portion of two or more of the outer surfaces of the pack advantageously ensures that harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, protozoa, algae, bacterial spores, fungi, fungal spores, and viruses encountering said outer surfaces are continually and permanently killed or prevented from growing, or their numbers significantly reduced. The antimicrobial substrate thus provides a sustained antimicrobial effect that is generated without any required interaction from the consumer. Upon handling of the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the consumer can be safe in the knowledge that no compromise is being made with respect to hygiene. Such an effect is particularly advantageous when all of the outer surfaces of the pack are coated in the antimicrobial substrate.

The presence of the scent substrate on the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention also advantageously enables consumers to transfer a pleasant-smelling fragrance or aroma to themselves, typically their hands and fingers or thumb, upon contact therewith. Such transfer advantageously reduces any lingering scent of the smoking or aerosol generating articles and can be transferred to the consumer as and when desired.

The consumer is thus provided with a pack suitable for everyday handling that remains continually and independently hygienic, whilst also providing an enhanced fragrance experience for the consumer when desired.

The pack according to the first aspect of the present invention is operable to store smoking or aerosol generating articles therein. Accordingly, at any time, the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention may contain smoking or aerosol generating articles, or may not. Such smoking or aerosol generating articles are well known in the field and include cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco containing items.

The pack according to the first aspect of the present invention may be formed from any suitable material. The pack may be formed from paper-based materials including, but not limited to paper, paperboard, cardboard, paper liners, or combinations thereof. The pack may also include plastic or foil components. The pack may be contained in an airtight plastic film wrapper that is opened to access the pack and smoking or aerosol-generating articles contained therein.

The pack according to the first aspect of the present invention may be formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid. As such, the pack may form a box structure, such as a rectangular box structure. The lid may be attached to, or separate from, the container, preferably attached thereto. If attached, the lid is preferably a hinged lid that is attached to the container by a hinge mechanism, which may be a fold line or partially cut line. When the pack is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid, the plurality of sides of the pack refer to the plurality of the sides formed by the container and lid. When the pack is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid, the smoking or aerosol generating articles may be inserted to be stored in, and subsequently removed from, the pack via the opening of the container. The opening of the container may be closed by the lid to retain the smoking or aerosol generating articles within the pack.

For the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of at least one outer surface is coated with a scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material. Accordingly, at least a portion of two or more of the outer surfaces may be coated with the scent substrate. Preferably, at least one outer surface, such as one surface or two or three outer surfaces, is coated with the scent substrate. More preferably, one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate. More preferably, when the pack is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid, at least one outer surface of the lid, preferably one outer surface of the lid, is coated with the scent substrate. This advantageously enables the consumer to access the fragrance or aromatising material of the scent substrate as and when desired, rather than during any contact that the consumer has with the pack.

It will be appreciated that when the coating of an outer surface is discussed herein, the whole of the outer surface is referred to unless the term portion thereof is specifically stated.

It will further be appreciated that the outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, coated with the scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material may be identified by a visual indication present on said outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, for example, through the use of printed text or colour. This may be achieved using an under-varnish coating or printed ink under the antimicrobial substrate and/or scent substrate.

When the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid, the at least one outer surface, or at least a portion thereof, of the pack coated by the scent substrate is preferably an outer surface of the lid, and more preferably, the topmost outer surface of the lid. Preferably, when the pack is formed of a container closed by a lid, at least one outer surface, such as one, two or three outer surfaces, of the lid is coated with the scent substrate. Preferably, the at least one outer surface of the lid includes the topmost outer surface of the lid. More preferably, when the pack is formed of a container closed by a lid, one outer surface of the lid, preferably the topmost outer surface of the lid, is coated with the scent substrate. The term ‘topmost’ as used herein with reference to the outer surface of the lid refers to the outer surface of the lid which is uppermost when the consumer holds the pack to remove a smoking or aerosol generating article therefrom.

For the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, up to 3%, such as up to 4%, of the surface area of the pack is coated with the scent substrate. Preferably, up to 5%, or even up to 7%, of the surface area of the pack is coated with the scent substrate. For example, about 6% of the surface area of the pack is coated with the scent substrate. The scent substrate coated on the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention contains a fragrance or aromatising material. The fragrance or aromatising material is dispersed throughout the scent substrate, such that the fragrance or aromatising material is dispersed across the surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, of the pack on which the scent substrate is coated. Said fragrance or aromatising material is the material transferred to the consumer, when desired, that provides the pleasant-smelling fragrance or aroma. Typically, the fragrance or aromatising material is transferred to the consumer when the consumer contacts, and applies pressure or friction to, the at least one outer surface, or portion thereof, of the pack coated with the scent substrate. The fragrance or aromatising material is typically transferred from the scent substrate on the pack to the fingers or thumbs of the consumer upon this contact.

The fragrance or aromatising material of the scent substrate may be any material suitable to provide a pleasant-smelling fragrance or aroma. Suitable materials are known in the field. The fragrance or aromatising material may be selected from materials including, but not limited to, extracts, compounded flavourings, oils, essential oils, and single flavour compounds. Examples of suitable fragrance or aromatising materials include, but are not limited to aloe vera, peppermint or sweet peppermint extracts or essential oils, as well as strawberry, raspberry, apple, banana, lemon, orange, mandarina, cinnamon, lemon, thyme, coffee, liquorice, and/or santal. Preferably, the fragrance or aromatising material is selected from an extract or essential oil. For example, the fragrance or aromatising material is selected from aloe vera extract or aloe vera essential oil, peppermint extract or peppermint essential oil, and sweet peppermint extract or sweet peppermint essential oil, and most preferably aloe vera extract or aloe vera essential oil, and sweet peppermint extract or sweet peppermint essential oil.

The fragrance or aromatising material of the scent substrate may be present in liquid, powder or gel form.

The fragrance or aromatising material of the scent substrate may be present in the scent substrate within microcapsules. Accordingly, the scent substrate may comprise microcapsules in which the fragrance or aromatising material is encapsulated. Microcapsules containing the fragrance or aromatising material may be dispersed throughout the scent substrate, such that the microcapsules are dispersed across the surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, of the pack on which the scent substrate is coated. Preferably, the fragrance or aromatising material is encapsulated in microcapsules in the scent substrate. Upon application of friction or pressure by the consumer to the at least one outer surface, or portion thereof, of the pack coated with the scent substrate, the microcapsules may be crushed, and the fragrance or aromatising material contained therein, released and transferred to the consumer, or outer surface(s) of the pack, to provide a pleasantsmelling fragrance or aroma.

When the fragrance or aromatising material is encapsulated in microparticles within the scent substrate, the microcapsules may be formed of any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to melamine- based and cellulose-based materials. Suitable examples of melamine-based materials include melamine resin, or derivatives thereof such as butylated or iso- butylated melamine resin. Butylated or iso-butylated melamine resin may be formed by incorporating butyl alcohol or isomers thereof into melamine resin. Preferably, the microcapsules containing the fragrance or aromatising material are formed of melamine-based materials, and more preferably, of melamine resin or derivatives thereof, including butylated melamine resin and iso-butylated melamine resin. More preferably, the microcapsules containing the fragrance or aromatising material are formed of melamine resin. Melamine resin may also be known in the art as melamine-formaldehyde resin.

When the fragrance or aromatising material is encapsulated in microcapsules within the scent substrate, the microcapsules may have any suitable size. The microcapsules may be less than 12 pm in size, such as less than 10 pm, or from 5 to 12 pm, such as from 6 to 10 pm. The microcapsules may be substantially spherical with a diameter of less than 12 pm, such as less than 10 pm. The microcapsules may be substantially spherical with a diameter of from 5 to 12 pm, such as from 6 to 10 pm. The term ‘substantially spherical’ as used herein in relation to the microparticles means that >85% of the microcapsules present in the scent substrate are spherical in nature, such as >90%, or even 95%.

It will be appreciated that the amount of fragrance or aromatising material present in the scent substrate depends on the desired intensity of the fragrance or aroma to be transferred to the consumer.

When the fragrance or aromatising material is encapsulated within microcapsules in the scent substrate, the scent substrate may comprise from 5 to 30 wt.% of microcapsules containing the fragrance or aromatising material, preferably from 10 to 20 wt.% of microcapsules containing the fragrance or aromatising material.

In addition to the fragrance or aromatising material, the scent substrate may further comprise a varnish, for example an overprint varnish. The varnish enables the application of the fragrance or aromatising material by printing application technology to the blank of the pack. In particular, the varnish is configured to be preferably applied on the blank by gravure printing, flexography or offset printing. The varnish may comprise a binder material, a solvent and optionally additives such as fillers, surfactants, wax, adhesion promoters and the like. The varnish may be a water-based varnish. For example, the water-based varnish may be an acrylic emulsion. For example, the water-based varnish may comprise, for example polyvinyl acetate polymer component as binder component. Suitable varnishes and water-based varnishes will be well known in the art.

The scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material may further comprise an antimicrobial substance as described herein. This has the advantage that the outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, coated with the scent substrate and contacted by the consumer provides an additional antimicrobial effect. In this instance, all features of the fragrance or aromatising material, including preferred or optional features, as described above, are applicable. Similarly, all features of the antimicrobial substance, including preferred or optional features, as described below, are applicable. Accordingly, the scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material may further comprise the antimicrobial substance described in the present application. The scent substrate may therefore also provide an antimicrobial effect as discussed herein with regard to the antimicrobial substance. The antimicrobial substance may be introduced into the scent substrate using the antimicrobial substrate as described herein. In this instance, all features of the fragrance or aromatising material, including preferred or optional features, as described above, are applicable. In this instance, all features of the antimicrobial substrate, including preferred or optional features, as described below, are applicable. Accordingly, the scent substrate may comprise an antimicrobial substrate as described herein. Accordingly, the scent substrate may comprise a varnish, such as a water-based varnish, as defined below for the antimicrobial substrate. Accordingly, the scent substrate may also demonstrate an antimicrobial effect. By combining (e.g., mixing) antimicrobial substance or substrate in the scent substrate, when the scent substrate is directly in contact with a consumer finger(s), the antimicrobial substance in the scent substrate ensures protection against pathogens during contact/rubbing.

Preferably, the scent substrate comprises a water-based varnish containing a fragrance or aromatising material, the fragrance or aromatising material being present in the water-based varnish within microcapsules. Accordingly, the scent substrate preferably comprises a water-based varnish comprising microcapsules in which the fragrance or aromatising material is encapsulated.

In the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of two or more of the outer surfaces are coated with an antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance. Preferably, two or more, such as three or more, or six or more, of the outer surfaces are coated with the antimicrobial substrate. More preferably, all the outer surfaces of the pack are coated with the antimicrobial substrate. It will be appreciated that the more surfaces, or portions thereof, that are coated with the antimicrobial substance, the more advantageous the antimicrobial effect demonstrated by the pack as a whole.

The antimicrobial substrate contains an antimicrobial substance. It is the antimicrobial substance that provides the antimicrobial effect to the antimicrobial substrate, and thus the pack. The antimicrobial substance is dispersed throughout the antimicrobial substrate, such that the antimicrobial substance is dispersed across the surfaces, or portions thereof of the pack, on which the antimicrobial substrate is coated. By the term ‘antimicrobial effect’ used herein is meant the killing or prevention of growth, or the significant reduction in numbers, of harmful microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, protozoa, algae, bacterial spores, fungi, fungal spores, and viruses on the surfaces, or portions thereof, of the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention coated with the antimicrobial substrate. The ‘antimicrobial effect’ can be tested for efficacy in microbiology counting of the number of colony forming units (CFUs) of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus using norm ISO22196. The antibacterial activity of the antimicrobial substance itself in percentages should be at least 90% reduction, more preferably at least 99% reduction, most preferably at least 99.9% reduction. More than one antimicrobial substance may be contained in the antimicrobial substrate.

The antimicrobial substance may be a photosensitive compound. Such a compound produces an antimicrobial effect upon exposure to radiation, in particular UV (ultraviolent), and/or visible light. This may be known as a ‘photodynamic effect’, the photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that exposure of the photosensitive compound to radiation such as UV radiation, and/or visible light, creates singlet oxygen, which kills the microorganisms by oxidation thereof. Suitable sources of UV radiation and visible light include, but are not limited to ambient room light, sunlight, or daylight. Accordingly, when the antimicrobial substance is a photosensitive compound, the antimicrobial substance is operable to provide a permanent independent antimicrobial effect during normal usage of the pack, without the consumer needing to carry out any action. Given that more than one antimicrobial substance may be present in the antimicrobial substrate, it follows that more than one photosensitive compound may be utilised.

Suitable photosensitive compounds may be selected from, but not limited to, phenalenones, curcumins, flavins, porphyrins, porphycenes, xanthene dyes, coumarins, phthalocyanines, phenothiazine compounds, anthracene dyes, pyrenes, fullernes, perylenes, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the photosensitive compound is a phenalenone. Phenalenones are derivatives of phenalene (1-H-phenalene), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Preferably, the photosensitive compound is a phenalen-1 -one (1-H-phenalen-1- one).

The phenalen-1-one may be any phenalen-1 -one of general formula (1) or (1a) as described in WO 2018167264A1 , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The phenalen-1 -one may be any phenalene-1 -one as described in WO 201167992A1 , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable phenalen-1 -ones may be selected from those of general formula (1): wherein the residues R1 to R8, which respectively independently of one another may be identical to or different from each other, respectively represent hydrogen, halogen, alkyl containing 1 to 12 C atoms, alkylaryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, aryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, *-O-alkyl containing 1 to 12 C atoms, *- O-alkylaryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, *-O-aryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, ether containing 2 to 12 C atoms, a residue with the formula *-O-C(=O)R^(1a), a residue with the formula *-C(=O)-R^(1b), or an organic residue W1 which contains at least one reactive functional group, with the proviso that at least one of the residues R1 to R7 is an organic residue W1 , wherein the organic residue W1 respectively independently of each other represents a residue with the general formula (2) to (6):

* - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]_a - (C(D)(E))_m - X (2)

* - A - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]_c - (C(D)(E))_m -X (3)

* - (C(D)(E))_d -Ar - (C(D)(E))_n - X (4)

* - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]_b - (C(D)(E))_g - Ar - (C(D)(E))_n - X (5)

* - A - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]f - (C(D)(E))_g - Ar - (C(D)(E))_n - X (6) wherein A respectively independently of each other represents oxygen, sulphur or a residue with the ge wherein *ph respectively denotes a linkage from the residue with the general formula (10a) to (11a) to a C atom of the phenalene ring and *c respectively denotes a linkage from the residue with the general formula (10a) to (11 a) to a C atom of the residue (C(D)(E)), and wherein the residue B respectively independently of each other represents oxygen, sulphur or a residue with the gener wherein the residues R^(la), R^(lb), R^(11a), R^(12a), R^(13a), R^(14a), and R^(14b), respectively independently of each other, represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, n-pentyl, phenyl or benzyl, and wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group which consists of halogen, amino, hydroxyl, *-O-alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 OH groups, halogenoalkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 halogen groups, and combinations thereof, wherein Y’ is an anion which respectively independently of each other represents fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, hydrogen sulphate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, at least one carboxylate anion of a carboxylic acid containing 1 to 15 carbon atoms, at least one sulphonate anion of a sulphonic acid containing 1 to 12 C atoms, or a combination thereof, and wherein the residues D and E respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms and 1 to 5 OH groups, phenyl, benzyl, a residue with the formula *-L- R^(ll), a residue with the formula *-L- C(=L)R^(III) , a residue with the formula *-(CH₂)_q-X, a residue with the formula *-L- (CH₂)_q-X, or a residue with the formula *-(CH₂)_s -L-(CH₂)_t-X, wherein the residue L respectively independently of each other represents oxygen or sulphur, wherein the residues R^(ll) and R^(lll) respectively independently of each other, represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, n-pentyl, phenyl or benzyl, and wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted, the indices q, s and t respectively independently of each other representing a whole number from 1 to 5, wherein the indices a, c, f, g and n respectively independently of each other represent a whole number from 0 to 5, and wherein the indices b, d and m respectively independently of each other represent a whole number from 1 to 5, wherein the residue Ar respectively independently of each other represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic residue or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic residue, and wherein the residue X respectively independently of each other is a reactive functional group denoted by *-N(R^(VI))(R^<vll)), *-OH, *-SH, *-NCO, *-NCS, *-Si(R^<vlll))(R^(IX))-[O-Si(R^(X))(R^(XI))]_p-Z, or a residue with the general formula (20) to (24): wherein the residues R^(20a), R^(20b), R^(20c), R^(21a), R^(22a), R^(22b), R^(22c), R^(23a), R^(24a), R^(24b), and R^(24c), respectively of each other, represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, or n-pentyl, and wherein the indices I and k respectively independently of each other represent a whole number from 0 to 4, wherein the residues R^⁰ and R^¹⁰ respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof, wherein the residues R^(VIII), R^(IX), R^(X), and R^(XI) respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, * -O-alky I which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof, wherein the residue Z respectively independently of each other represents halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxyl containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or alkylcarboxyl containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and wherein the index p respectively independently of each other represents a whole number from 0 to 4.

Preferably, for the phenalen-1 -ones of general formula (1 ) described above, the residue Ar respectively independently of each other represents a residue with the general formula (25a) to (31 ):

wherein the residues R25, R26, R27, R28, R29, R26^a, R26^b, R27^a, R27^b, R28^a, R28^b, R29^a, R29^b, R30^a, and R30^b respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, *-O-alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof, and wherein the residue R30 respectively independently of each other represents hydrogen or alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and wherein the residues R33^a and R33^b respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, perfluoralkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, *-O-alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl, benzyl or, when taken together, a cycloalkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 4 to 9 carbon atoms, or a 9H-fluo-ren-9-ylidene residue, and wherein Y' is an anion which respectively independently of each other represents fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, hydrogen sulphate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, at least one carboxylate anion of a carboxylic acid containing 1 to 15 carbon atoms, at least one sulphonate anion of a sulphonic acid containing 1 to 12 C atoms, or a combination thereof. More preferably, for the phenalen-1 -ones of general formula (1 ) described above, the at least one organic residue W1 respectively independently of each other represents a residue with the general formula (40) to (67) or (72) to (98e):

wherein Y’ is an anion which respectively independently of each other represents fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, hydrogen sulphate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, at least one carboxylate anion of a carboxylic acid containing 1 to 15 carbon atoms, at least one sulphonate anion of a sulphonic acid containing 1 to 12 C atoms, or a combination thereof.

More preferably, for the phenalen-1-ones of general formula (1) described above, the phenalen-1-one compound may be selected from the group consisting of compounds with formula (100) to (127), (132) to (166):

More preferably, for the phenalene-1-ones of general formula (1) described above, the phenalen-1-one is a phenalen-1-one of general formula (1a): wherein the residues R1^a to R8^a, which respectively independently of one another may be identical to or different from each other, respectively represent hydrogen, halogen, alkyl containing 1 to 12 C atoms, alkylaryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, aryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, *-O-alkyl containing 1 to 12 C atoms, *-O-alkylaryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, *-O-aryl containing 5 to 20 C atoms, ether containing 2 to 12 C atoms, a residue with the formula *-O-C(=O)-R^(1a), a residue with the formula *-C(=O)-R^(lb), or an organic residue W1a which contains at least one reactive functional group, with the proviso that at least one of the residues R1^a or R2^a is an organic residue W1a, wherein the organic residue W1a respectively independently of each other represents a residue with the general formula (2a) to (6a):

* - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]_e - (C(D)(E))_m - X^a (2a)

* - A - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]_c - (C(D)(E))_m -X^a (3a)

* - (C(D)(E))_d - Ar - (C(D)(E))_n - X^a (4a)

* - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]_b - (C(D)(E))_g - Ar - (C(D)(E))_n - X^a (5a)

* - A - [(C(D)(E))_d - B]f - (C(D)(E))_g - Ar - (C(D)(E))_n - X^a (6a) wherein the residue A respectively independently of each other represents oxygen, sulphur or a residue with the general formula (10a) to (11a): wherein *ph respectively denotes a linkage from the residue with the general formula (10a) to (11a) to a C atom of the phenalene ring and *c respectively denotes a linkage from the residue with the general formula (10a) to (11a) to a C atom of the residue (C(D)(E)), and wherein the residue B respectively independently of each other represents oxygen, sulphur or a residue with the general formula (10) to (12): and wherei ependently of each other, represent methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, n-pentyl, phenyl or benzyl, and wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof, and wherein the residues D and E respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, hydroxyl, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms and 1 to 5 OH groups, phenyl, benzyl, a residue with the formula *-L- R^(ll), a residue with the formula *-L-C(=L)R^(lll) , a residue with the formula *- (CH₂)_q-X^a, a residue with the formula *-L- (CH₂)_q-X^a, or a residue with the formula *-(CH₂)_s-L-(CH₂)t-X^a, wherein the residue L respectively independently of each other represents oxygen or sulphur, wherein the residues R^(ll) and R^(lll) respectively independently of each other, represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, n-pentyl, phenyl or benzyl, and wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof, the indices q, s and t respectively independently of each other representing a whole number from 1 to 5, wherein the indices c, f, g and n respectively independently of each other represent a whole number from 0 to 5, and wherein the indices b, d, e and m respectively independently of each other represent a whole number from 1 to 5, wherein the residue Ar respectively independently of each other represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic residue or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic residue which contains no N atoms, and wherein the residue X^a respectively independently of each other is a reactive functional group *-OH, *-SH, *-NCO, *-NCS, *-Si(R^(VIII))(R^<IX))-[O- Si(R^<X))(R^(XI))]_p-Z, or a residue with the general formula (20) to (24): wherein R^(24b), and R^(24c), respectively independently of each other, represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, or n-pentyl, and wherein the indices I and k respectively independently of each other represent a whole number from 0 to 4, wherein the residues R^(VIII), R^(IX), R^(X), R^(XI) respectively independently of each other represent hydrogen, alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, -O-alkyl which may be linear or branched, containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl, wherein phenyl and benzyl respectively independently of each other may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more residues selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, fluorine, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof, wherein the residue Z respectively independently of each other represents halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxyl containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or alkylcarboxyl containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and wherein the index p respectively independently of each other represents a whole number from 0 to 4.

Preferably, for the phenalen-1 -ones of general formula (1 a) described above, the residue Ar respectively independently of each another represents an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl residue, an unsubstituted or substituted biphenyl residue, an unsubstituted or substituted diphenylpropyl residue or an unsubstituted or substituted bisphenylsulphonyl residue, preferably a residue of general formula (25a) to (25c), (29a) to (29c), (30) or (31 ): wherein the residues R25, R26, R27, R28, R29, R26^a, R26^b, R27^a, R27^b, R28^a, R28^b, R29^a, R29^b, R30^a and R30^b each independently of one another are hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, which may be straight chain or branched, having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, perfluoroalkyl which may be straight chain or branched, having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, *-O-alkyl which may be straight chain or branched, having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl or benzyl, and where the residues R33^a and R33^b are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, which may be straight chain or branched, having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, perfluoroalkyl which may be straight chain or branched, having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, *-O- alkyl which may be straight chain or branched, having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl, benzyl or, when taken together, a cycloalkyl which may be straight chained or branched, having 4 to 9 carbon atoms, or a 9H-fluoren-9-ylidene residue, wherein each of phenyl and benzyl may independently be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo, fluoro, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, and combinations thereof.

Preferably, for the phenalen-1-ones of general formula (1a) described above, the at least one organic residue W1a respectively independently of each other represents a residue with the general formula (41) to (67) or (98a) to (98e):

Preferably, for the phenalen-1-ones of general formula (1a) described above, the phenalen-1-one of general formula (1a) is selected from the group consisting of compounds of formula (101) to (127), (162) to (166), or combinations thereof. The antimicrobial substance may be present in the antimicrobial substrate in any suitable amount.

For the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the antimicrobial substance is not contained within microcapsules in the antimicrobial substrate. Preferably, the antimicrobial substrate does not contain microcapsules.

In order to enable uniform application of the antimicrobial substance on the blank by usual printing technologies, the antimicrobial substrate, in particular when the antimicrobial substance is a photosensitive compound, may comprise a varnish, such as an overprint varnish. The varnish is preferably a water-based varnish. The varnish may comprise a binder material, a solvent and optionally additives such as fillers, surfactants, wax, adhesion promoters and the like. The varnish may be a water-based varnish. For example, the water-based varnish may be an acrylic emulsion. For example, the varnish may comprise, for example polyvinyl acetate polymer component as binder component. The varnish is preferably configured for application by printing to the blank of the pack. In particular, the varnish may be preferably configured to be applied on the blank by gravure printing, flexography, or offset printing, or other suitable printing techniques.

Preferably, the antimicrobial substrate is a varnish, more preferably a water-based varnish, containing an antimicrobial substance.

It will be appreciated that the antimicrobial substrate or substance may be purchased commercially or formulated from appropriate starting materials. Suitable examples of commercially available antimicrobial substrates for use in the present invention include those commercially available from Varcotec under the ‘Varcotec Lock 3’ or ‘Lock 3’ antimicrobial water-based varnish product line. When such commercially available antimicrobial substrates are utilised, the antimicrobial effect of the antimicrobial substrate may last for 1 year, preferably for 3 years. The Varcotec Lock 3 antimicrobial water-based varnish may be mixed in the scent substrate to introduce an antimicrobial substance to the scent substrate. As aforementioned, the scent substrate may be formulated in a waterbased varnish containing the fragrance or aromatising material.

As noted above, for the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the scent substrate is preferably coated on at least one of the outer surfaces, more preferably one of the outer surfaces, and the antimicrobial substrate is preferably coated on at least two or more of the outer surfaces, more preferably all of the outer surfaces of the pack.

For the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, where the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate are coated on the same outer surface(s) or portion(s) thereof, or where they overlap, the scent substrate is coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate.

For the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the scent substrate is preferably coated on at least one of the outer surfaces, more preferably one of the outer surfaces, and the antimicrobial substrate is preferably coated on at least two or more of the outer surfaces, more preferably, all of the outer surfaces of the pack. Where the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate are coated on the same outer surface(s), the scent substrate is coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate. Preferably, at least one of the at least two or more of the outer surfaces coated with the antimicrobial substrate is also coated with the scent substrate, the scent substrate being coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate.

Accordingly, preferably, the scent substrate is coated on one of the outer surfaces and the antimicrobial substrate is coated on all of the outer surfaces of the pack. Where the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate are coated on the same outer surface, the scent substrate is coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate.

When the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid, the at least one outer surface, or at least a portion thereof, of the pack coated by the scent substrate is preferably an outer surface of the lid, and more preferably, the topmost outer surface of the lid, and the antimicrobial substrate is preferably coated on at least two or more of the outer surfaces, more preferably, all of the outer surfaces of the container including the lid. Accordingly, preferably, when the pack is formed of a container closed by a lid, one outer surface of the lid, preferably the topmost outer surface of the lid, is coated with the scent substrate, and all of the outer surfaces of the container including the lid are coated with the antimicrobial substrate.

The antimicrobial substrate may be present on outer surfaces, or portions thereof, of the pack where the scent substrate is not present. Contrary to the scent substrate which is typically localised on the pack, the antimicrobial substrate is preferably applied to a larger number of outer surfaces of the pack.

Preferably, the outer surface(s) or portion(s) thereof on which the scent substrate is coated, also comprise a coating of the antimicrobial substrate. Accordingly, the scent substrate and the antimicrobial substrate may also be present on the same outer surfaces, or portions thereof, of the pack. The outer surfaces, or portions thereof, coated by the scent substrate may be the same as, or have some overlap with the outer surfaces, or portions thereof, coated by the antimicrobial substrate. For the outer surfaces, or portions thereof, coated with both the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate, the scent substrate is preferably coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate. The coating of the scent substrate is preferably on top of the coating of the antimicrobial substrate. Preferably, the antimicrobial substrate forms a first coating and the scent substrate forms a second coating thereover.

Preferably, two or more outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, of the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention are coated with a first coating of the antimicrobial substrate and at least one outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, is coated with a second coating of the scent substrate, the scent substrate layer being on top of the antimicrobial substrate on the outer surface(s) or portion(s) thereof that are the same, or overlap. The antimicrobial substrate may also be present on additional outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, of the pack. Preferably, the second coating is coated on one surface, or a portion thereof, of the pack (e.g., on the top surface of the lid) on top of the first coating, which is coated on the same surface, or portion thereof (e.g., on the top surface of the lid), as well as on other surfaces, or portions thereof, of the pack. Preferably, two or more outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, of the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention are coated with a first coating of the antimicrobial substrate and at least one of those outer surface(s), or portion(s) thereof, is coated with a second coating of the scent substrate, the scent substrate being on top of the antimicrobial substrate on the outer surface(s) or portion(s) thereof.

Preferably, the coating of antimicrobial substrate overlaps with the coating of the scent substrate or is present on the same outer surface(s) or portion(s) thereof. More preferably, the coating of antimicrobial substrate is present on the same outer surface(s) or portion(s) thereof as the scent substrate. This has the advantage to facilitate sequential application of both the antimicrobial and scent substances. There is no need to provide a mask on the portion of the blank before coating the scent substrate in the portion dedicated for the scent substrate.

Preferably, for the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one layer of each of the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate is present. More preferably, an additional layer of the antimicrobial substrate is present. Accordingly, more preferably, one layer of the scent substrate is present and one or more layers, such as one to three, or one or two, preferably two layers, of the antimicrobial substrate are present.

For the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the scent substrate and the antimicrobial substrate are different. By different is meant that they are different coatings with different overall component compositions. They are applied separately to the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The outer surfaces, or portions thereof, of the pack may be coated with an additional coating, for example, with an under-varnish coating or printed ink present under the antimicrobial substrate and/or scent substrate.

All features of the first aspect of the present invention, whether discussed as preferred or optional, are applicable to all other aspects described herein. Similarly, all features of all other aspects described herein, whether preferred or optional, are applicable to the first aspect of the present invention.

The scent substrate and the antimicrobial substrate may be applied in any suitable manner.

All features of the second aspect of the present invention, and as discussed below as preferred or optional, are applicable to all other aspects described herein. Similarly, all features of all other aspects described herein, whether preferred or optional, are applicable to the second aspect of the present invention.

The blank refers to unassembled packaging. From this, the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention may be formed. The blank is typically a flatpack structure from which the pack can be assembled. The plurality of regions, each region having first and second surfaces, are formed by folds or seams along the material of the blank. The pack is typically assembled by folding or cutting along the folds or seams of the blank and then gluing the appropriate parts together to form the pack. Such a procedure is well known in the industry. The plurality of regions of the blank form the plurality of sides of the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention. The pack is assembled such that the coated first surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of regions of the blank become the coated outer surfaces, or portions thereof of the plurality of sides of the pack. It will be appreciated that in the assembly of the pack, the majority of the first surfaces of the plurality of regions of the blank will form the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides of the pack, whilst some may form other parts of the structure of pack. The antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate are typically applied to the first surfaces, or portions thereof, other than where the glue is to be applied as required for assembly of the pack. The antimicrobial substrate is preferably applied to all surfaces of the pack which after assembling are potentially exposed to radiation, in particular UV (ultraviolent), and/or visible light, such as ambient light. This is particularly advantageous if the antimicrobial substrate contains a photosensitive compound as aforementioned.

The antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate may be applied to the blank using any suitable printing or application technique. Suitable techniques include offset printing including offset lithographic printing, flexographic printing (flexography), gravure printing, flatbed and rotary screen printing, pad printing and Meyer bar coating. It will be appreciated that any offset printing press is typically equipped with a flexographic press such that when an offset printing technique is utilised, the substrate may be applied using an offset press flexo unit. Curing of the antimicrobial or scent substrates may occur during the application process and/or after application. The curing may involve application of UV light, heat, drying and combination thereof.

Preferably, the antimicrobial substrate and the scent substrate are applied by printing. More preferably, the antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate are applied by gravure or offset printing.

It will be appreciated that upon application to the blank at least part of any solvent present in the antimicrobial substrate and/or scent substrate may be lost by virtue of the application methods detailed herein. The antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate may be applied to the blank in single or multiple layers, as required. It will be appreciated that the antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate may be applied to common surfaces, or portions thereof, of the blank. Accordingly, the surfaces, or portions thereof, coated by the scent substrate may be the same, or have some overlap with the surfaces, or portions thereof, coated by the antimicrobial substrate. Preferably, at least one layer of each of the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate is applied to the blank. Most preferably, an additional layer of antimicrobial substrate is applied to the blank. The additional layer of antimicrobial substrate is most preferably applied before the coating of scent substrate. More preferably, one layer of the scent substrate is applied to the blank and one or more layers, such as one to three, or one or two, preferably two layers of the antimicrobial substrate are applied to the blank.

Where the antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate are to be applied to the same, or overlapping, first surfaces, or portions thereof, of the blank, antimicrobial substrate is preferably applied to the blank prior to the scent substrate. This is particularly advantageous if the fragrance or aromatising material of the scent substrate is contained in microcapsules. If a scent substrate comprising microcapsules is applied first to the blank, the conditions and temperature of the process for applying the antimicrobial substrate thereover may cause the microcapsules to break. They would then not be able to optimally perform the function of transferring the fragrance or aromatising material to the consumer. It is also advantageous to have antimicrobial substrate or substance mixed with the scent substrate so that the outermost coating of scent substrate comprises effective antimicrobial effect to sanitize the scented area.

Accordingly, for the method of the second aspect according to the present invention, for step (b), the antimicrobial substrate (“first coating”) is preferably coated on to the blank prior to the scent substrate (“second coating”).

More preferably, all the surfaces of the blank forming sides of the pack are applied with antimicrobial substrate, Preferably, the glue area of the blank is free of antimicrobial substrate. The antimicrobial substrate preferably comprises a waterbased varnish for application on the blank.

Preferably, the scent substrate coated on the blank further contains antimicrobial substance or substrate. The scent substrate (“second coating”), optionally comprising antimicrobial substance or substrate, preferably overlays the coating of antimicrobial substrate (“first coating”). The scent substrate, optionally comprising antimicrobial substance or substrate, preferably comprises a waterbased varnish for application on the blank.

The scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate may be applied to the blank at any suitable coat weight.

In step (b) of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, prior to coating of the blank with the antimicrobial substrate and scent substrate, one or more of the first surfaces of the plurality of regions of the blank may be coated with an additional coating, such as an under-varnish or printed ink. Alternatively, the blank may already comprise such an additional coating already applied to its first surfaces.

The use of the antimicrobial substrate described herein on packs for storing smoking or aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention has been identified by the present inventors as providing an advantageous hygienic experience for consumers of said articles.

Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of an antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance in providing an antimicrobial effect to a pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles.

All features of the third aspect of the present invention, and as discussed below as preferred or optional, are applicable to all other aspects described herein. Similarly, all features of all other aspects described herein, whether preferred or optional, are applicable to the third aspect of the present invention. The pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles in the third aspect of the present invention is preferably the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The use according to the third aspect of the present invention may further comprise the additional use of a scent substrate as described herein to provide fragrance properties to the pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

All references to chemical compounds herein are to be interpreted as covering the compounds per se, and also, where appropriate, derivates, hydrates, solvates, complexes, isomers and tautomers thereof.

All references to "wt%" as used herein refer to the percentage by weight relative to the total weight of the antimicrobial substrate, scent substrate, antimicrobial substance, fragrance or aromatising material, or microcapsules, as appropriate.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 depicts a pack 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The pack 100 comprise a container 102 with an opening (not shown) closed by a lid 104. The pack 100 comprises a plurality of sides 105 to 113 (110 to 113 not shown) having outer surfaces 105a to 113a (110a to 113a not shown). For the pack 100, each of the outer surfaces 105a to 113a of the plurality of sides 110 to 113 is entirely coated with the antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance. This advantageously provides an advantageous antimicrobial effect over the whole of the pack 100. Preferably, the antimicrobial substance of the antimicrobial substrate is not contained in microcapsules within the antimicrobial substrate.

For the pack 100, the scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching) containing a fragrance or aromatising material is coated on outer surface 105a of side 105. Preferably, the fragrance or aromatising material is contained in microcapsules within the scent substrate. The scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching) may optionally further comprise the antimicrobial substance or substrate. The scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching) covers 6.1 % of the surface area of the pack 100. On the outer surface 105a of side 105 where both the antimicrobial substrate and the scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching) is present, the scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching) is coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate. There is a first coating of the antimicrobial substrate on the outer surface 105a and a second coating of the scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching) on top of the first coating of the antimicrobial substrate. Outer surface 105a represents the ‘topmost’ outer surface of the pack 100 according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2 depicts a blank 200 with a flat-pack structure. The blank 200 has a plurality of regions (e.g. 205, 206, 207) separated by folds or seams, each region (e.g. 205,206, 207) having a first surface (e.g. 205a, 206a, 207a) and a second surface (not shown).

The blank 200 may be used to form the pack 100 of Figure 1 . To form the pack 100 of Figure 1 , prior to assembly, all of the first surfaces (e.g. 205a, 206a, 207a) of the plurality of regions of the blank 200, other than those areas to which glue is to be applied, are coated with the antimicrobial substrate (shown by cross- hatching). Prior to formation into a pack, the first surface of a region (e.g.205a of 205) may also be coated with the scent substrate (not shown), the scent substrate being on top of the antimicrobial substrate on that region.

Figure 3 depicts a blank 300 with a flat-pack structure. The blank 300 has a plurality of regions (e.g. 305, 306, 307) separated by folds or seams, each region (e.g. 305, 306, 307) having a first surface (305a, 306a, 307a) and a second surface (not shown).

The blank 300 may be used to form the pack 100 of Figure 1. To form the pack 100 of Figure 1 , prior to assembly, all of the first surfaces (e.g. 305a, 306a, 307a) of the plurality of regions of the blank 300, other than those areas to which glue is to be applied, may be coated with the antimicrobial substrate (not shown). Prior to formation into a pack, the first surface of a region (e.g. 305a of 305) is then coated with the scent substrate (shown by cross-hatching), the scent substrate being on top of the antimicrobial substrate on that region.

The pack 100 of Figure 1 may then be formed by folding or cutting along the folds or seams of the blank 200 or 300 and gluing the appropriate parts together to form the pack 100 of Figure 1. It will be appreciated that upon formation of the pack 100 of Figure 1 , the majority of the first surfaces (e.g. 205a, 205b, 205c, 305a, 306a, 307a) of the plurality of regions (e.g. 205, 206, 207, 305, 306, 307) become the outer surfaces (e.g. 105a, 106a, 107a) of the plurality of sides (e.g. 105, 106, 107) of the pack of Figure 1. The first surface 205a/305a of region 205/305 becomes the outer surface 105a of side 105 of the pack 100 of Figure 1 .

Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show one example of the pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, and how the method of the second aspect of the present invention may be brought into effect.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

1. A pack for storing smoking or aerosol generating articles comprising a plurality of sides having outer surfaces, wherein at least a portion of at least one outer surface is coated with a scent substrate containing a fragrance or aromatising material, and wherein at least a portion of two or more outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with an antimicrobial substrate containing an antimicrobial substance.

2. The pack according to embodiment 1 , wherein the at least a portion of at least one outer surface coated with the scent substrate is also coated with the antimicrobial substrate.

3. The pack according to embodiment 2, wherein the scent substrate is coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein two or more of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with the antimicrobial substrate. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein all of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with the antimicrobial substrate. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein at least one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein all of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with the antimicrobial substrate and at least one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate, the scent substrate being coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate. The pack according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least one layer of each of the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate is present. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein one layer of the scent substrate is present and one or more layers, such as one to three, or one or two, preferably two layers, of the antimicrobial substrate are present. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the antimicrobial substance is a photosensitive compound. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 11 , wherein the antimicrobial substance is selected from the group consisting of phenalenones, curcumins, flavins, porphyrins, porphycenes, xanthene dyes, coumarins, phthalocyanines, phenothiazine compounds, anthracene dyes, pyrenes, fullerenes, perylenes, and combinations thereof.

13. The pack according to any of embodiment 1 to 12, wherein the antimicrobial substance is a phenalenone, or combinations thereof.

14. The pack according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the antimicrobial substance is a phenalen-1-one, or combinations thereof.

15. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the antimicrobial substrate comprises a varnish, preferably a water-based varnish containing the antimicrobial substance.

16. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the scent substrate comprises a varnish, preferably a water-based varnish containing the fragrance or aromatising material.

17. The pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance or aromatising material is contained in microcapsules within the scent substrate.

18. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the antimicrobial substance is not contained in microcapsules within the antimicrobial substance.

19. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fragrance or aromatising material is selected from extracts, compounded flavourings, essential oils, and single flavour compounds.

20. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fragrance or aromatising material is selected from extracts and essential oils.

21. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the scent substrate further comprises the antimicrobial substance or substrate. 22. The pack according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the pack is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid and the antimicrobial substrate is coated on all of the outer surfaces of the lid and container.

23. The pack according to embodiment 22, wherein the lid is a hinged lid.

24. The pack according to embodiment 23, wherein the scent substrate is coated on the topmost outer surface of the hinged lid on top of the antimicrobial substrate.

25. A method for forming a pack according to any of claims 1 to 24, the method comprising:

(c) assembling the blank into the pack according to any of claims 1 to 24, such that the coated first surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of regions become the coated outer surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of sides of the pack.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the antimicrobial substrate is coated on the blank prior to the scent substrate.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the antimicrobial substrate and the scent substrate are coated on the blank by printing, preferably gravure or offset printing.

Claims

2. The pack according to claim 1 , wherein the at least a portion of at least one outer surface coated with the scent substrate is also coated with the antimicrobial substrate, and preferably wherein the scent substrate is coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate.

3. The pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two or more of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with the antimicrobial substrate, preferably wherein all of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with the antimicrobial substrate.

4. The pack according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate, preferably one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate.

5. The pack according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein all of the outer surfaces of the plurality of sides are coated with the antimicrobial substrate and at least one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate, the scent substrate being coated on top of the antimicrobial substrate, preferably wherein one outer surface is coated with the scent substrate.

6. The pack according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one layer of each of the scent substrate and antimicrobial substrate is present, preferably wherein one layer of the scent substrate is present and one or more layers, such as one to three, or one or two, preferably two layers, of the antimicrobial substrate are present.

7. The pack according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antimicrobial substance is a photosensitive compound, preferably selected from the group consisting of phenalenones, curcumins, flavins, porphyrins, porphycenes, xanthene dyes, coumarins, phthalocyanines, phenothiazine compounds, anthracene dyes, pyrenes, fullerenes, perylenes, and combinations thereof, preferably the antimicrobial substance is a phenalenone, more preferably a phenalen-1-one, and any combinations thereof.

8. The pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the antimicrobial substrate comprises a varnish, preferably a water-based varnish, containing the antimicrobial substance, and/or the scent substrate comprises a varnish, preferably a water-based varnish containing the fragrance or aromatising material.

9. The pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance or aromatising material is contained in microcapsules within the scent substrate, and/or the antimicrobial substance is not contained in microcapsules within the antimicrobial substrate.

10. The pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the fragrance or aromatising material is selected from extracts, compounded flavourings, essential oils, and single flavour compounds, preferably from extracts and essential oils.

11 . The pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the scent substrate further comprises the antimicrobial substance or substrate.

12. The pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the pack is formed of a container with an opening closed by a lid, preferably a hinged lid, and the antimicrobial substrate is coated on all of the outer surfaces of the lid and container, preferably wherein the scent substrate is coated on the topmost outer surface of the hinged lid on top of the antimicrobial substrate. A method for forming a pack according to any of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising:

(c) assembling the blank into the pack according to any of claims 1 to 12, such that the coated first surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of regions become the coated outer surfaces, or portions thereof, of the plurality of sides of the pack. The method according to claim 13, wherein the antimicrobial substrate is coated on the blank prior to the scent substrate. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the antimicrobial substrate and the scent substrate are coated on the blank by printing, preferably gravure or offset printing.