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WO2019152453A1 - Film multicouche stérilisé, et procédé et appareil de fabrication dudit film multicouche stérilisé - Google Patents

Film multicouche stérilisé, et procédé et appareil de fabrication dudit film multicouche stérilisé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019152453A1
WO2019152453A1 PCT/US2019/015754 US2019015754W WO2019152453A1 WO 2019152453 A1 WO2019152453 A1 WO 2019152453A1 US 2019015754 W US2019015754 W US 2019015754W WO 2019152453 A1 WO2019152453 A1 WO 2019152453A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
multilayer film
storage bag
flexible storage
hydrogen peroxide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2019/015754
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English (en)
Inventor
Todor SASLEKOV
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
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Publication of WO2019152453A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019152453A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22—Details
    • B65D77/30—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during filling or closing of containers
    • B65D77/32—Tearing-strings or like flexible elements
    • B65D77/36—Tearing-strings or like flexible elements disposed beneath a wrapper, label, or other element of sheet material securing a lid, cover, or container mouth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/304—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl halide (co)polymers, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/306—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol (co)polymers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/308—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/34—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • 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
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/08—Wrappers shrunk by heat or under tension, e.g. stretch films or films tensioned by compressed articles
    • B65D71/10—Wrappers shrunk by heat or under tension, e.g. stretch films or films tensioned by compressed articles and provided with inserts
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3233—Flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3261—Flexible containers having several compartments
    • B65D81/3272—Flexible containers having several compartments formed by arranging one flexible container within another
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
    • B65D81/3446—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D81/3461—Flexible containers, e.g. bags, pouches, envelopes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/03—3 layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/24—All layers being polymeric
    • B32B2250/246—All polymers belonging to those covered by groups B32B27/32 and B32B27/30
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
    • B32B2307/412—Transparent
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/732—Dimensional properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/40—Closed containers
    • B32B2439/46—Bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/70—Food packaging

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates generally to a sterilized multilayer film for the packaging of food, medicine, and chemicals.
  • multilayer films used in packaging applications must be suitable for use in contact with the intended product such as foodstuff or medicinal product as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  • the multilayer film used in packaging must provide physical integrity to assure containment of the product and maintenance of the sterility, as well as the ability to be efficiently and safely processed by packaging machines.
  • the multilayer film must be able to be sterilized and be compatible with the method of sterilization used, e.g., heat, chemical, and/or radiation.
  • the film should provide the greatest possible barrier protection against the transmission of gases (including oxygen) and moisture in order to achieve the longest possible shelf life with and/or without refrigeration.
  • packaging film is unwound off a reel and fed through a sterilizing unit in which the film is sterilized by being moved through a relatively large immersion bath of highly concentrated aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is heated in order to catalyze oxidation and thereby destroy putrefactive microorganisms.
  • a sterilizing unit in which the film is sterilized by being moved through a relatively large immersion bath of highly concentrated aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is heated in order to catalyze oxidation and thereby destroy putrefactive microorganisms.
  • the present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for producing sterile film with high ease of processing, structural integrity and barrier against gas transmission.
  • Various examples of the film, apparatus, and method are provided herein.
  • the film is a multilayer film including a first layer, an intermediate layer, and a second layer, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between the first layer and second layer.
  • the first layer may include one or more layers of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), other materials individually or collectively having similar moisture resistance, elasticity, and puncturability as that of polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
  • the second layer may include one or more layers of LLDPE, LDPE other materials individually or collectively having similar moisture resistance, elasticity, and puncturability as that of polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
  • the intermediate layer may include polyethylene-polyvinyl acetate (EVOH) and/or one or more other high gas barrier and low oxygen transmission rate polymers, or other organic or inorganic elements.
  • EVOH polyethylene-polyvinyl acetate
  • additional layers of polyamide are positioned between the first layer, an intermediate layer, and a second layer, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between the first layer and second layer.
  • the disclosure provides a multilayer film comprising a first layer comprising a polyethylene polymer, wherein the thickness of the first layer is between, and including, 5 and 20 microns; a second layer comprising a
  • polyethylene polymer wherein the thickness of the first layer is between, and including, 15 and 60 microns; and an intermediate layer comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene chloride co-methacrylate, polyvinylidene chloride co-acrylate, or combinations thereof, wherein the thickness of the intermediate layer is between, and including, 5 and 20 microns, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer.
  • the disclosure provides a flexible storage bag comprising a multilayer film comprising a first layer comprising a polyethylene polymer, wherein the thickness of the first layer is between, and including, 5 and 20 microns; a second layer comprising a polyethylene polymer, wherein the thickness of the first layer is between, and including, 15 and 60 microns; and an intermediate layer comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol, wherein the thickness of the intermediate layer is between, and including, 5 and 20 microns, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the multilayer film forms the flexible storage bag, wherein an outer surface of the flexible storage bag is the first layer, and wherein an inner surface of the flexible storage bag is the second layer.
  • the method of manufacturing the multilayer film includes moving the multilayer film through a low concentration hydrogen peroxide bath, after which one or more wiper(s) may be applied to ensure an even and relatively thin distribution of the hydrogen peroxide across one or both of the surfaces of the multilayer film (e.g., wipers can be used on both sides of the bath, including front and back and up and down, wherein the wipers can independently, or in combination with an exit slot shaped for this purpose, prevent UVC light to enter the box and oxidize all or any of the hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide bath).
  • the multilayer film with the hydrogen peroxide coating is then subjected to UVC light and (optionally) hot air blower(s).
  • the method includes further processing the film, while remaining in a sterile aseptic environment, to form, fill, and seal a flexible storage bag.
  • the disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a sterile multilayer film, the method comprising advancing a multilayer film through a hydrogen peroxide solution bath, wherein the first layer and the second layer are coated with the hydrogen peroxide solution; wiping the first layer, and the second layer, to create a uniform thickness of the coating of hydrogen peroxide solution on the first layer and second layer; applying radiation from one or more UVC lights to the first layer and the second layer; and applying heated air to the multilayer film, wherein the temperature is between, and including, 15°C to 70 °C.
  • the apparatus used for sterilizing the multilayer film can include a propulsion system including multiple rollers that receives the multilayer film, and advances the film through an immersion chamber that is filled with aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which may be heated to temperatures that can be lower than 50 °C in order to provide a consistent chemical reaction throughout the production process regardless of the variations in the ambient temperatures.
  • the immersion bath can have a depth as shallow as of 1 inch, and can have a width as narrow as is sufficient to enable passage of the film being immersed.
  • the apparatus also can include at least one wiper that spreads and rapidly ensures an even and relatively thin distribution of hydrogen peroxide over the entire surface of the multilayer film.
  • At least one roller can be applied to each coated surface of the film exiting the immersion chamber to serve the same purpose as the wiper, i.e., to rapidly ensure an even distribution of the hydrogen peroxide on the film, and remove any excess.
  • the apparatus also includes one or more UVC light(s) applied to the film after exiting the immersion chamber and wiper or roller application.
  • the apparatus can also include air blower(s) to be applied after and/or during the application of UVC light.
  • the air blowers may blow room temperature or heated air and/or other gas(es) on the multilayer film.
  • the disclosure provides an apparatus for manufacturing a flexible storage bag, the apparatus comprising: a propulsion system for advancing a multilayer film; an immersion chamber configured to hold a hydrogen peroxide solution, wherein the immersion chamber is covered, wherein the film is moved through the solution held in the immersion chamber; and one or more UVC lights configured to apply UVC light to the multilayer film’s coating of hydrogen peroxide solution, on the second layer and the first layer; wherein the propulsion system advances the multilayer film through the immersion chamber and to the UVC light.
  • the disclosed film may be used to house a liquid in a liquid container that is made predominantly from a paper housing, a thin rigid lid, and a single layer of shrink-wrap film, thereby resulting in a container that uses a majority of materials which are safely biodegradable under natural conditions, that uses zero non-recyclable materials, that can be easily separated into components that are recyclable in standard recycling facilities, and that can use up to 70% less plastic and non-recyclable materials than conventional plastic bottles.
  • the reduction in materials is also cost effective.
  • the liquid container only uses 6.5 grams of plastic.
  • the integrity, environmental friendliness and low cost of the container are enabled by the low cost, low gas transmission rate, and moderate elasticity and puncturability of the disclosed film.
  • An advantage of the present film and methods of manufacturing is enabling an increased shelf life of the content enclosed by the film, with reduced need for or no refrigeration.
  • a further advantage of the present films and methods, respectively, includes the lack of reliance on specialized, toxic, high-temperature or expensive sterilization, and safety equipment, wherein the present film can be made using conventional and inexpensive equipment.
  • Another advantage of the present films and methods, respectively, is providing a cost effective, moderate-temperature, non-toxic and otherwise safe process for producing sterilized films, which is safe to operate without expensive precautions against exposing human operators to the equipment’s internal temperatures or chemical solutions.
  • Figs. 1A-1B is a cross-section of various embodiments of a multilayer film disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus used to sterilize the multilayer film disclosed herein.
  • Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus used to sterilize the multilayer film disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus used to sterilize the multilayer film disclosed herein.
  • Fig. 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment of the immersion bath used to sterilize the multilayer film disclosed herein.
  • Fig. 2E is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of the immersion bath used to sterilize the multilayer film disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an example of a container incorporating the flexible storage bag disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container disclosed herein.
  • the present disclosure provides a multilayer film 2 including a first layer 4, an intermediate layer 6, and a second layer 8, wherein the intermediate layer 6 is positioned between the first layer 4 and second layer 8, as shown in Fig. 1A.
  • the first layer may include one or more layers of polyethylene, such as, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or combinations of both, or other materials or combinations having similar moisture resistance, gas transmission rate, elasticity and puncturability.
  • the second layer may include one or more layers of polyethylene, such as LLDPE, LDPE, or combinations of both, or other materials or combinations having similar moisture resistance, gas transmission rate, elasticity and puncturability.
  • first layer or second layer having a substantially different gas transmission rate
  • LLDPE polyethylene
  • first and second layer to enable the ability to seal together different portions or pieces of multilayer film into shapes such as a flexible storage bag.
  • LLDPE Low Density Polyethylene
  • a further advantage of using LLDPE includes the ability to produce thinner films which enables improved UVC penetration, and resulting oxidation of hydrogen peroxide that is located on the film’s surfaces, and/or that as penetrated into the film.
  • the intermediate layer 6 may include polyethylene-polyvinyl acetate, also known as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). EVALTM can be used as the EVOH and is manufactured by Kuraray. Other suitable intermediate layers can include copolymers ofvinylidene chloride (PVDC) such as PVDC-vinyl chloride or PVDC-methacrylate.
  • PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
  • an additional layer of polyamide 50 e.g., nylon is positioned between the intermediate layer 6 and the first layer 4, and between the intermediate layer 6 and the second layer 8, as shown in Fig. IB.
  • tie layers can be positioned between the first layer and the intermediate layer, and a tie layer can be positioned between the intermediate layer and the second layer.
  • Any conventional tie layers can be used and typically do not contribute to the overall thickness of the multilayer films.
  • a conventional tie layer includes incorporating functionality to the polyolefin, such as incorporating an anhydride functionality.
  • a tie layer can include maleic anhydride modified ethylene methacrylate polymers, and maleic anhydride modified ethylene vinyl acetate polymers.
  • a specific example of an appropriate tie layer is AMPLIFYTM manufactured by Dow Chemical Company.
  • the various layers can be coextruded or laminated together wherein the film surfaces are physically joined or bonded to each other by an adhesive lamination process or extrusion lamination process.
  • the disclosed materials used in each layer, the order of the layers, and the thicknesses of the layers have been selected to produce a multilayer film that is advantageous for sealing (e.g., a vertical seal and horizontal seal) the multilayer film into a sterilized flexible storage bag with physical integrity, and with minimal additional thickness.
  • the thickness of the first layer may be between 5 and 20 microns.
  • the thickness of the second layer may be between 15 and 60 microns.
  • the first layer thickness can be less than the second layer thickness because the first layer forms the outer surface of flexible storage bag, wherein the second layer forms the inner surface of the flexible storage bag.
  • the second layer is exposed to the content stored within the flexible storage bag.
  • a thicker second layer provides improved plastic moisture barriers that decreases transmission of moisture. Because the first layer is typically thinner than the second layer for a flexible storage bag storing liquids, the weight and expense of the multilayer film is reduced. A thinner first layer is sufficiently thick to perform its functions because the first layer is not constantly exposed to moisture from the content of the flexible storage bag, in contrast to the second layer.
  • the present films can be used in aseptic boxes (e.g., milk cartons) for storing juice, tea, dairy drinks, among others.
  • aseptic boxes e.g., milk cartons
  • the inner layer a layer of only polyethylene, which has high gas permeability, consequently the containers must be stored in coolers and their shelf life is comparatively short. If the present film is incorporated in such aseptic containers, the shelf life will be drastically increased, which will lead to less waste, energy consumption and respectively more savings.
  • the present sterilized film can be used as a cover for single use plastic boxes for meals, meat, cheese, among other foods and liquids.
  • the first layer’s thickness may be further reduced while retaining sufficient thickness to prevent degradation, by externally originating radiation or contaminants, of the multilayer film’s integrity, moisture resistance or gas barrier.
  • the first layer and second layer can independently have a thickness between 10 to 20 microns, and the intermediate layer can have a thickness as narrow as 5 microns.
  • the multilayer film thickness is typically less than 100 microns.
  • the thickness of the multilayer film can be between 40 to 85 microns.
  • the thickness can be 35 to 65 microns.
  • the thickness deviation of each layer can be up to 3%, but not more than 1 micron.
  • a 10 micron layer can have a thickness deviation of ⁇ 0.3 microns.
  • a 40 micron thick layer can have a thickness deviation of ⁇ 1 micron.
  • the intermediate layer may have a thickness of between 5 and 20 microns. Although, the more EVOH used in the intermediate layer the more expensive the product, and the less EVOH used in the intermediate layer results in a shorter shelf life owning to the higher oxygen transmission rate (OTR).
  • OTR oxygen transmission rate
  • the polyamide layers are optional. The inclusion of polyamide layers improves the strength of the multilayer film but can mildly increase the difficultly of puncturing the flexible storage bag made from the multilayer film.
  • the first layer and/or second layer can be composed of an organic or other safely biodegradable material such as polylactic acid (PLA), wherein the intermediate layer can include EVOH or an organic or other safely biodegradable intermediate layer, such as shellac.
  • PLA polylactic acid
  • the film can be organic, renewable, sustainable, and safely biodegradable.
  • the film can be folded and sealed to form a flexible storage bag for liquids and solids.
  • the flexible storage bag can be used to store liquid beverages, solid foods, and semisolid foods.
  • Particularly advantageous is the ability of the disclosed multilayer film to be sealed with comparatively low heat and/or friction, and the lack of need for specialized, non-standard, high-cost or high-energy- using sealing equipment.
  • a sealing knife can be used to form a vertical seal to form the multilayered film into a tube.
  • a sealing knife can be used to form a horizontal seal that forms a portion of the tube into an open bag.
  • the bag can be filled with heated liquids, at a temperature within the range of 5°C to 65°C, for example, within the range of 15°C to 35 °C. After the liquid is added into the open bag, a horizontal sealing knife is used to seal the top of the filled bag and at the same time to create the bottom of the next bag.
  • the method of manufacturing the multilayer film includes immersing the multilayer film briefly in a low concentration hydrogen peroxide bath, after which a wiper(s) or roller(s) may be applied to ensure a relatively even distribution of the hydrogen peroxide across one or both surfaces of the multilayer film.
  • concentration of hydrogen peroxide is typically between 1% and 5%, for example 3%. Because of the low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the process is non-toxic and does not require special safety precautions such as breathing devices, gloves, goggles, etc., as compared with conventional methods of manufacture. Further, the amount of hydrogen peroxide solution used in the hydrogen peroxide bath is typically less than 1 liter, however the amount can depend on the thickness and width of the film and adjusted accordingly.
  • the low amount of hydrogen peroxide solution in combination with the low concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution used in the present process provides a safer and less expensive process as large amounts of hydrogen peroxide are not required.
  • the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide bath solution in the present process is below 50 °C, as compared to existing processes that require higher temperatures that may be over 70 °C.
  • the disclosed method’s moderate bath temperature has the function of facilitating, rather than catalyzing by itself, oxidation and evaporation of the hydrogen peroxide coating, from the film surface, and consequently is not necessary to maintain within a narrow range of deviation.
  • the multilayer film with the hydrogen peroxide coating exits the bath, and being (optionally) subjected to the wiping/squeezing process, the multilayer film is then subjected to an ultraviolet light in the C spectrum (UVC light) that has a wavelength between 200-400 nanometers.
  • UVC light an ultraviolet light in the C spectrum
  • One or more UVC lights irradiate the top surface of the multilayer film and (optionally, although unnecessary when the multilayer film is transparent) one or more additional UVC lights irradiate the bottom surface of the multilayer film.
  • the hydrogen peroxide bath is covered and a single entrance slot and a single exit slot of the bath chamber have just enough thickness to allow the multilayer film to enter and exit the bath.
  • This minimal thickness may be achieved by fixing flexible blades or roller(s) (of silicon or other composition) along the top and bottom of the entry, exit or both slots. This flexibility enables the blades or rollers to be set in a position which would fully close the slots if no film was being fed between the slots, wherein during the continuous feeding of film through them during operation, to be pushed back by the film just far enough to enable film to feed through them.
  • air blower(s) may be applied to the film to dry any remaining moisture on the multilayer film.
  • the air blower(s) may subject the film to air or other gas with a temperature of up to 70 °C in order to increase the speed and completeness of evaporating any remaining moisture after UVC light application, and removing any remaining hydrogen peroxide residue.
  • the evenness and relative thinness of the surface coating of hydrogen peroxide (optionally improved by the wiping and/or squeezing process) speeds the coating’s oxidation, evaporation and residue removal, thereby enabling higher speed, and lower energy consumption, of the entire process.
  • the total thickness of the film must not have so much tackiness as to prevent the corners of the flexible storage bag from protruding, but must have sufficient tackiness to create friction with the lid lip and then paperboard housing edge when the flexible storage bag corners are folded over both sides of the edge and, together with that edge, are pinched inside the lid lip.
  • the film’s puncturability by the tip of a straw is balanced against the film’s resistance to other damage.
  • the edge of the hole clings to the circumference of the straw closely enough to prevent exit of liquid, and to minimize passage of air, when the bag is squeezed, but does not cling so tightly as to prevent the straw from sliding through the hole in order to reach deeply into the bag.
  • the multilayer film is folded lengthwise sealing the film into a tube, and then receives a single horizontal seal which forms a section of the tube into an open bag, in order to receive injection of the product content, e.g., a liquid product.
  • the added liquid can be pasteurized or otherwise heated.
  • the multilayer film receives a second horizontal seal which closes the top of the bag and fully seals the product within the flexible storage bag.
  • the second horizontal seal closing the top of one bag can simultaneously be the first horizontal seal creating the next bag.
  • a sterilized flexible storage bag may be produced that prevents transmission of gasses into or out of the flexible storage bag thereby increasing the shelf life of the product stored within the flexible storage bag.
  • the flexible storage bag can withstand, without bursting or leaking, the impact of falling onto a hard surface from a height of at least 1.5 meters, and being squeezed by a weight of at least 15 kg.
  • the portion of the flexible storage bag, through which a consumer is intended to insert a straw has sufficient integrity to be exposed directly to the external environment, although an additional external layer, which may be of shrink-wrap film, may be added in order to prevent external contaminants from touching the flexible storage bag.
  • the oxygen transmission rate is improved drastically as compared to standard polyethylene film, further improving cost and shelf life of the content of the flexible storage bag.
  • the film is typically transparent to permit additional, secondary processing with UVC light on both the inside and outside surfaces of the film as well as the contents of the flexible storage bag.
  • the apparatus 60 used for the sterilizing of the multilayer film 62 can include a multi-roller system 64 including multiple rollers that receives the multilayer film 62 and advances the film through an immersion chamber 66.
  • the immersion chamber 66 can include a covered shallow tray that is filled with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
  • the immersion chamber 16 can have a depth as little as 1 inch, which can be adjustable.
  • the sides of the immersion chamber are closed except for an opening 68 to allow the multilayer film to enter and exit. Because the sides are closed, the UVC light 70 does not oxidize the hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide bath.
  • the apparatus can also include a wiper(s) 72 or roller(s) that ensures an even and relatively thin distribution of hydrogen peroxide over the entire surface of the multilayer film.
  • the system can include four to eight wipers.
  • the film s surface immersion in hydrogen peroxide solution, and subsequent wiping, facilitates standardization depth of the hydrogen peroxide coating without beading of the solution.
  • the apparatus includes a UVC light 70 applied after the wiper application to sterilize the multilayer film.
  • the apparatus can include blower(s) 74 of air or other gas, which may be heated, to dry the film and remove any residue.
  • the apparatus can include a sealing system to fold and seal the multilayer film into the flexible storage bag 20.
  • the flexible storage bag can be incorporated in an eco-friendly container for liquids and/or solids, wherein the container
  • the container 10 includes a housing 12 including a side wall 14, a housing first end 16, and a housing second end 18, as shown in Figs. 3- 4.
  • the housing 12 may be made of any suitable material, though the advantages provided herein are best accomplished using a recyclable and biodegradable product.
  • the housing 12 may be made of a foldable cardboard, sugarcane pulp, corn pulp, combinations thereof, or any other paper product.
  • the housing 12 may be made from thin plastic, aluminum, etc.
  • the housing 12 may be formed by folding the housing material from a flat configuration into a three-dimensional shape.
  • the housing 12 may be formed by folding a single sheet of paper into a cylindrical shape or any of various cross-sectional shapes.
  • the housing 12 may be a circular, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or other cylinder.
  • the three-dimensional housing 12 may be stabilized using a minimal amount of adhesive or, in certain
  • the container 10 can enclose the flexible storage bag 20 within the housing 12.
  • the flexible storage bag 20 may be any suitable size.
  • the flexible storage bag 20 may be capable of holding 8 ounces (oz.), 12 oz., 16 oz., 20 oz., or 24 oz., among other amounts.
  • the housing 12 may be various sizes and shapes. Further, it should be understood that the term "liquid" is meant to
  • the container 10 can also include a lid 22 positioned over the housing first end 16, wherein at least a portion of the flexible storage bag 20 is held between the lid 22 and the housing first end 16, as shown in Fig. 2B. In an example, at least two portions of the flexible storage bag 20 are secured between the lid 22 and the housing first end 16.
  • the lid 22 may be made of any suitable material. Typically, the lid 22 is made of a thin, plastic material.
  • the container 10 includes a shrink-wrap film 24
  • the shrink-wrap film 24 assists to secure the lid 22 and flexible storage bag 20 to the housing 12 without the use of adhesives or other connecting mechanism, such as tape, glue, clips, or fasteners, among others. Because the container 10 does not use adhesives to secure various elements together, the container may be easily sorted into established recyclable products after the container is used. For example, once the shrink-wrap film 24 is removed, the lid 22, the flexible storage bag 20, and the housing 12 can be easily detached, thereby allowing the various elements to be easily sorted for recycling. For example, the shrink-wrap film 24, lid 22, and flexible storage bag 20 may be recycled in a plastic receptacle, whereas the housing 12 may be recycled in a paper receptacle, with minimal effort required to separate the various elements. EXAMPLES
  • Example 1 is a multilayer film including a first layer of
  • LLDPE LLDPE
  • second layer of LLDPE LLDPE
  • intermediate layer of EVOH LLDPE
  • a first polyamide layer is positioned between the first layer and intermediate layer.
  • a second polyamide layer is also positioned between the intermediate layer and the second layer.
  • tie layers are positioned between the first layer and first polyamide layer, the first polyamide layer and the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer and the second polyamide layer, and the second polyamide layer and the second layer.
  • Example 4 is a three layer film including LLDPE for both the first layer and second layer, and an intermediate layer of EVOH positioned between the first layer and second layer.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un film multicouche stérilisé utilisé pour stocker des liquides et des solides. L'invention concerne également un appareil et un procédé pour produire un film multicouche stérilisé approprié pour une utilisation dans des applications de stockage d'aliments et de boissons. Selon un exemple, l'appareil peut produire un sac de stockage souple stérilisé pour une utilisation dans un récipient, par exemple au sein d'un boîtier du récipient, un couvercle étant positionné sur une extrémité du boîtier, le sac de stockage souple étant maintenu entre le couvercle et le boîtier.
PCT/US2019/015754 2018-01-30 2019-01-30 Film multicouche stérilisé, et procédé et appareil de fabrication dudit film multicouche stérilisé Ceased WO2019152453A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/883,586 2018-01-30
US15/883,586 US20190233192A1 (en) 2018-01-30 2018-01-30 Sterilized multilayer film and method and apparatus for making the same

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019152453A1 true WO2019152453A1 (fr) 2019-08-08

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PCT/US2019/015754 Ceased WO2019152453A1 (fr) 2018-01-30 2019-01-30 Film multicouche stérilisé, et procédé et appareil de fabrication dudit film multicouche stérilisé

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Country Link
US (1) US20190233192A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2019152453A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TR201922748A2 (tr) * 2019-12-31 2020-09-21 Besel Basim Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Yüzde yüz geri dönüştürülebilir ıslak mendil ambalajı

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7118852B2 (en) * 2002-04-11 2006-10-10 Throwleigh Technologies, L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for decontaminating fluids
WO2008149377A1 (fr) * 2007-06-04 2008-12-11 Harish Prabhakar Joshi Procédé de conditionnement aseptique
WO2013068809A1 (fr) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-16 Essel Propack Limited Film barrière multicouche, stratifiés et procédé associé
US20130200099A1 (en) * 2010-02-15 2013-08-08 Shuntaro Abe Fluid storage container and lid thereof

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7063228B2 (en) * 2001-11-16 2006-06-20 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. Packaging bag
US20140110411A1 (en) * 2012-10-24 2014-04-24 Todor E. Saslekov Eco-friendly Liquid Container
JP6859018B2 (ja) * 2015-02-24 2021-04-14 株式会社Ｍｉｚｋａｎ Ｈｏｌｄｉｎｇｓ 包装物品
US9790016B2 (en) * 2015-07-28 2017-10-17 Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd. Packaging bag for microwave ovens

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7118852B2 (en) * 2002-04-11 2006-10-10 Throwleigh Technologies, L.L.C. Methods and apparatus for decontaminating fluids
WO2008149377A1 (fr) * 2007-06-04 2008-12-11 Harish Prabhakar Joshi Procédé de conditionnement aseptique
US20130200099A1 (en) * 2010-02-15 2013-08-08 Shuntaro Abe Fluid storage container and lid thereof
WO2013068809A1 (fr) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-16 Essel Propack Limited Film barrière multicouche, stratifiés et procédé associé

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