WO2024133727A1

WO2024133727A1 - Moulded pulp lid

Info

Publication number: WO2024133727A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/087328
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicola GALAFFU; Gerhard Niederreiter; Christina Friederike DANNENBERG; Juan Francisco Garcia Cendejas
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Priority date: 2022-12-22
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-22
Also published as: KR20250128976A; EP4638289A1; MX2025007307A; CN120322385A; AU2023411334A1; CL2025001824A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable lid (100) for closing in an attachment direction (190) an opening (211) of a receptacle (210) for holding food products (220), whereby the receptacle (210) has a circumferential rim portion (212) surrounding the opening (211). The lid (100) is composed of two or more individual lid parts (101, 102) that are respectively integrally made by moulding pulp and that complement each other to form the lid (100). The lid (100) comprises a cover portion (110) for covering the receptacle opening (211), a skirt portion (120) that extends from the cover portion (110) to circumferentially delimit together with the cover portion (110) a receiving space (105) for receiving the rim portion (212) inside the lid (100) when closing the opening (211) with the lid (100), and a fastening structure (140) for providing a form- and/or force-closed connection. The fastening structure (140) protrudes laterally from a lateral inner side (121) of the skirt portion (120) towards and into the receiving space (105) in a direction transversely to the attachment direction (190). Therein, at least two of the lid parts (101, 102) comprise each at least a section of the fastening structure (140). The invention relates further to as system (200) for storing food products (220), comprising said removable lid (100) and a receptacle (210) for food products.

Description

Moulded pulp lid

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to a lid for releasably closing an opening of a receptacle for holding food products, the lid having an internal fastening structure for providing a form- and/or force-closed connection between the receptacle and the lid. The invention relates further to a system for storing food products, which comprises said lid and a receptacle for holding food products.

2. Technical background

Any reference to prior art in this specification is not to be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

In the art, it is known to store food products, such as instant coffee, chocolate powder or baby formula, in jars or similar types of food containers. Commonly, lids are used for closing the otherwise open jar or food container. Typically, such lids can be fixedly attached to the jar or food container through a screw or snap connection to ensure freshness and integrity of the food products contained inside the jar or food container.

These types of lids are usually made from plastic, such as Polypropylene, and generally designed to be disposed after the jar or food container has been emptied. Unfortunately, recycling or even composting of plastic materials appears to be generally challenging, even in case so called “bioplastics” are used for the lids instead of conventional petrochemical plastic materials. Accordingly, the plastic waste often either is incinerated or ends up in landfill, thereby having a negative impact on the environment.

Known recyclable alternatives to plastic are metallic lids, such as steel or aluminum. While metallic lids might be more easily recycled, they have a significant impact on CO2 emissions during their manufacturing process and thus, are not a viable alternative for food items that are sold for daily and frequent consumption.

Other known alternatives to plastic, which are recyclable and environmentally less problematic, are materials such as wood or paper or moulded pulp fiber. Advantages of moulded pulp fiber are that it is an environmentally friendly and sustainable material, which is suitable for coming into close contact with food products and which is recyclable in the paper stream. However, using moulded cellulose pulp as material for lids of the screw-on or snap-on type is technically challenging because the design and structure of such lids appears to be incompatible with moulding pulp.

For instance, a lid to be snapped or screwed onto ajar typically comprises screw threads or snap ribs, which are present on an interior surface of the lid and extend towards the centre of the lid. This creates so-called “undercuts” or “negative draft angles” in the geometry of the lids. For example, undercuts may be indentations or protrusions on the inside of the part, which prevent the part from being directly ejected from a mould. Similarly, a draft angle can be understood, for example, as an angle relative to the demoulding direction. Positive draft angles can be beneficial for the demoulding process while negative draft angles prevent a direct release from the mould.

For plastic lids of the specified type, the geometry of the lid is not problematic since typically injection moulding is used, which uses so-called “collapsible cores” that can be reduced in size before opening the mould after forming the lid with the screw threads or snap ribs. Thereby, the plastic lid can be provided as a single piece item in a convenient and cost effective manner.

In comparison, cellulose pulp cannot be injected in a mould like a plastic polymer. Moulding of cellulose pulp is accomplished by first placing wet pulp into a cavity (e.g. a female mould), and then compressing the wet pulp material in the cavity with a core piston (e.g. a male mould). Thereby, the pulp takes the form of the mould, which is delimited by the cavity and the core piston. When the mould is opened to withdraw the moulded pulp item, it is impossible to move the core piston out from the cavity without damaging the item if undercuts are present in the geometry. The use of moulds with collapsible cores is not feasible with cellulose pulp moulding due to the complexity of the process and cost constraints. This highlights the importance of the design and structure of the item for the success of the pulp moulding process. Accordingly, present designs of lids for being snapped or screwed onto a jar are not compatible with a pulp moulding process.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lid for a jar or otherwise food container that is made of moulded pulp and comprises structures, which allow to attach the lid onto the jar with a form- and/or force closed connection. It is a further object of the invention to provide a recyclable lid and a system for storing food products. These and other objects, which become apparent upon reading the description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.

3. Summary of the invention

A first aspect of the invention relates to a removable lid for closing an opening of a receptacle for holding food products. The lid is suitable (and/or configured) for closing the opening in an attachment direction. The receptacle to be closed by the lid has a circumferential rim portion surrounding the opening. The lid is composed of two or more individual and connected lid parts. Each of the lid parts is integrally made by moulding pulp. The lid parts complement each other to form the lid. The lid comprises a cover portion with an upper surface for covering the opening of the receptacle. The lid further comprises a skirt portion extending from the cover portion to circumferentially delimit together with the cover portion a receiving space for receiving the rim portion inside the lid when closing the opening with the lid. The lid further comprises a fastening structure for providing a form- and/or force-closed connection. The fastening structure protrudes laterally from a lateral inner side of the skirt portion towards and into the receiving space in a direction transversely to the attachment direction. At least two of the lid parts comprise each at least a section of the fastening structure.

With the configuration of the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a lid (e.g. a cover, covering or top) for closing (e.g. covering, shutting, locking, or sealing) a food receptacle (e.g. a container, (glass) jar or box) from one side (e.g. in the attachment direction) that is made from moulded pulp and that comprises fastening means on at least an internal side of the lid. The fastening means are suitable for forming a form- and/or force-closed connection on the inside of the lid. Therein, the expression a “form- and/or force-closed connection" may be understood, for example, as any connection that may be established by exertion of a force between the connection partners, such as friction or spring forces (e.g. a non-positive connect! on/joint), and/or by having one connection partner obstructing the way of another connection partner (e.g. positive connection/joint). The problems surrounding the step of demolding pulp items with such fastening means can be addressed in the invention by composing (e.g. designing, combining and/or forming) the lid from multiple individual (e.g. discernible, distinct, and/or preferably separate) lid parts (e.g. sections and/or segments), each of these lid parts comprising at least a part of the structure of the fastening means and all lid parts together adding to the final shape and structure of the lid (e.g. complement). This allows designing each of these lid parts such that the individual lid part is devoid of any structures obstructing the demolding of the respective lid part in a pulp moulding process. Accordingly, it is possible to form each of the lid parts separately from the other lid parts in a pulp moulding process. Thereby, problems can be entirely avoided that would otherwise exist in demoulding the lid due to constraints of the geometry on the inside. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the lid from moulded pulp, which solves problems surrounding the disposal of the lid after use. Also, the lid can be provided with a fastening structure that allows closing a receptacle opening tightly, thereby ensuring product integrity and freshness.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid may comprise at least one parting line and/or parting plane, which may extend at least partially between adjoining lid parts. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one parting line and/or parting plane may pass through a physical frontier between individual lid parts. Preferably, the parting line and/or parting plane may intersect the (geometrical) centre of the upper surface of the cover portion. Alternatively or additionally, the parting line and/or parting plane may intersect at least a section of the cover portion and the skirt portion. Preferably, the parting plane may delimit each of the lid parts such that any cross-section of the respective lid part in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane comprises a geometry on the inside delimiting the receiving space without undercuts or negative draft angles.

Thereby, it is possible to design the lid more freely as the shape and design of the individual lid parts can be adapted in accordance with the (internal) structures of the lid. In particular, by joining two lid parts along a plane, the structural integrity between the respective lid parts can be improved. By parting the lid along a line or plane, which passes through the centre of the upper surface, demoulding of the corresponding lid parts can be simplified since the lid parts can be separated at maximum diameter. Also, the lid parts can be demoulded laterally from the cover portion, and are thus, easier to demould.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening structure may comprise one or more fastening elements. For example, the fastening elements may be internal threads and/or snap-fit connectors. Preferably, each of the lid parts may comprise at least one or a section of the fastening element. The fastening elements may extend partially or intermittently along the circumference of the skirt portion. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements may be (preferably evenly) distributed about the circumference of the skirt portion. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements may be provided on the lateral inner side as one or more opposing pairs. For instance, the fastening elements may be arranged as opposing pairs on opposite sides with respect to the receiving space and/or on opposite sides with respect to the parting line and/or parting plane.

Thereby, the lid can be provided with fastening means that can apply a closing force in the attachment direction, which can be evenly distributed along the circumference of the lid. In particular, the above described fastening elements can facilitate that the connection between the lid and the receptacle can be reversed at any time so that the lid can be moved for opening or closing the receptacle at the discretion of the user.

According to a further preferred embodiment, each of the lid parts may comprise a lateral end section, where the respective lid part may be open to a side opposite to the lateral inner side. Preferably, in the lid, at least two of the lid parts may be abutting each other at their respective lateral end section. Alternatively or additionally, in the lid, at least two of the lid parts may sandwich one of the parting lines and/or parting planes, respectively.

Thereby, demoulding of the lid parts on a lateral side (e.g. a side in a direction perpendicular to the attachment direction or a side opposite to the section of the fastening structure with respect to the receiving space) can be facilitated and simplified so that the inside of the lid part can be formed with a section of the fastening structure.

According to a preferred embodiment, each of the lid parts may comprise one or more connection sections for forming a connection between at least two of the lid parts. Preferably, the connection section(s) of each of the lid parts may be provided on the lateral end section.

Thereby, it is possible to connect the respective lid parts on defined portions of the lid parts so that the integrity and functionality of the lid can be ensured.

For instance, the connection section may be formed as a surface section, which preferably may face in a direction transversely to the attachment direction. Alternatively or additionally, the connection section may be formed as a flange portion, which may extend laterally from the skirt portion and preferably transversely to the cover portion along the outer contour of the respective lid part. For instance, the flange portion may extend preferably along the outer contour of the lateral end section. For example, in the lid, the lid parts may be glued to each other with at least one of their respective connection sections.

Thereby, it becomes possible to align and connect the respective lid parts on an external surface of the lid. Thus, structures intended for joining the lid parts do not interfere with other structures of the lid parts. Also, it is not necessary to increase the thickness of individual wall portions of the lid part to provide sufficient surface for the application of glue, e.g. in the form of glue dots. Instead, the two lid parts can be connected across the upper surface and along the skirt portion.

Alternatively or additionally, the connection section may be formed as a hinge section. At least two of the lid parts may be integrally moulded with the hinge section to bring the at least two lid parts into at least partial abutment by collapsing the two respective lid parts onto each other.

Thereby, it is possible to simplify the assembly and production of the lid and to ensure an integral connection between such lid parts. Therein, it is to be noted that despite this integral configuration of the connection section, the respective lid parts may be still considered as “individual” lid parts as each of the so connected lid parts may be moulded independently from the other.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid may comprise further a member for providing barrier properties and/or for exerting a lifting force against the cover portion by expanding between the cover portion and the rim portion of the receptacle when the lid closes the opening. For instance, the member may provide a barrier against oxygen and/or moisture. The member may be disc-shaped. In the lid, the member may be provided in the receiving space between the cover portion and the fastening structure. Therein, preferably the member may abut and/or entirely cover the upper surface of the cover portion (on an opposite side to the upper surface). For instance, the member may be glued to the cover portion on the inside of the lid. Preferably, the member may comprise plastic, foam, paper, metal or any combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the member may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. The member may comprise or be made of a resilient and/or heat sealable material.

Thereby, it is possible to provide the lid with an oxygen or moisture barrier, which can ensure the shelf-life and integrity of the food contained in the receptacle. Subject to the material configuration of the member, it is further possible to heat seal the member onto the rim portion, for example by applying induction sealing. Also, the strength or tightness of a screw or snap connec- tion between lid and receptacle can be improved as compression of the member may lead to additional friction forces between the structures engaging with each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid, the cover portion, the skirt portion and/or the fastening structure may comprise a coating or laminate for providing barrier properties and/or increasing surface friction. Preferably, the coating or laminate may be a biodegradable substance or material. Preferably, the coating or laminate may provide an oxygen and/or moisture barrier.

With the above configuration, it is possible to improve the shelf-life of the product to be closed by the lid as the entrance of moisture and/or oxygen can be prevented. In addition, the strength or tightness of a screw or snap connection between lid and receptacle can be improved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid may further comprise a lid handling part for manually handling the lid. Therein, the lid handling part may preferably comprise a top portion comprising an outer surface extending along a peripheral edge. Furthermore, the lid handling part may comprise a second skirt portion, which may extend from the peripheral edge of the top portion and may delimit with a second inner side a second receiving space for at least partially or entirely receiving the two or more lid parts on a side opposite to the outer surface.

Thereby, it is possible to provide the lid parts inside a covering or cap, which can be designed freely and without having to provide any fastening means on an inner side. Accordingly, the lid handling part can be moulded from pulp without technical difficulties. Moreover, the lid handling part can be provided with a desired shape, texture or thickness, such as a relatively thin material thickness since the lid handling part is not exposed to mechanical forces resulting from the attachment of the lid to the rim portion. Thereby, it is possible for the moulded pulp lid of the invention to replicate the various shapes and designs of existing plastic lids so that also ergonomic and haptic design considerations can be taken into account in the lid design.

Preferably, the lid parts may be received in and/or connected to the lid handling part inside the second receiving space. This connection may preferably be established through an adhesive bond, a press-fitted connection, and/or snap-fitted connection between the upper surface and the second inner side of the second skirt portion, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned connections may be established between the skirt portion of the lid parts and the second inner side of the second skirt portion, respectively. Thereby, it is possible to securely place the lid parts comprising the fastening means in the lid handling part and connect them therewith. Thereby, it is possible to provide the lid not only with the functions of the fastening means but to maintain design freedom for designing the shape and texture of the lid handling part, which will be handled (and mostly seen) by a user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the various (individual) parts of the lid, i.e. at least the lid parts and the lid handling part, may be connected to each other by adhesive closure (e.g. material bondage), form-closure and/or force-closure. Preferably, the lid handling part may comprise second surface features for clipping the lid parts on the inner side of the second skirt portion to transmit torque and/or force to the lid parts. Preferably, the second surface features may correspond with surface features provided on an external side of the skirt portion and/or an external side of the cover portion and/or, if provided, on one or more of the connection sections.

Thereby, it is possible to transmit a torque and/or forces from the lid handling part via the second surface features onto the lid parts. For example, a screwing motion of the lid by the user can be transmitted from the lid handling part onto the lid parts and subsequently to the fastening structure.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid and/or the lid handling part may have a non-circular, square or rectangular cross section. Alternatively or additionally, the lid and/or preferably the second receiving space may be non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular when viewed in the attachment direction. Preferably, the lid parts may have a complement shape to take and/or to transmit torque to and/or from the lid handling part when the lid is turned about the attachment direction.

Thereby, the design and shape of the lid can be adapted in accordance to the lid application.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid or the lid handling part may comprise a material thickness between 100 pm to 6 mm, 100 pm to 3 mm, or 150 pm to 2 mm, or 200 pm to 1 mm.

Thereby, the lid can be provided with a thickness that facilitates induction sealing, which makes the lid particularly suitable to be used in food applications that require primary sealing of the food container with a heat sealable membrane (such as the member). According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid, each of the lid parts and/or the lid handling part may be made (preferably entirely) from pulp. Therein, the pulp may preferably comprise at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of cellulosic fibrous material. The cellulosic fibrous material or the pulp may preferably be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugar cane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, rags or combinations thereof. Preferably, the lid may be (configured to be) recyclable in a paper recycling stream and/or compostable.

Therein, the expression “recyclable” may be understood, for example, as a material that can be reused entirely for a new product or purpose after having been treated mechanically or chemically using an industrial or natural process. For example, the pulp material used in the invention may be collected after usage and may be mixed with water and/or chemicals to break it down, for example to be repulped. To recycle the material successfully, the amount of a plastic coating on the recycled material or the amount of polymer content in the recyclable material may only be up to about 50% of its total weight, preferably only up to about 5% of its total weight. Further, the term “compostable” may be understood, for example, as meaning that a material may be substantially broken down into organic matter within a few weeks or months when it is composted. This may be accomplished in industrial composting sites and/or home composters. International standards, such as EU 13432 or US ASTM D6400, provide a legal framework for specifying technical requirements and procedures for determining compostability of a material.

Thereby, recyclability and/or compostability of the lid can be ensured.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lid may comprise two lid parts that may be formed as two complementary halves of the lid. Therein, preferably the lid may comprise one parting plane that may extend along the attachment direction and through the centre of the cover portion.

Thereby, it is possible to provide the lid with a particularly advantageous design for producing the lid reliably by moulding pulp.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system for storing food products. The system comprises a receptacle for holding food products. The receptacle comprises an opening, which is surrounded by a circumferential rim portion. The system further comprises the above described removable lid for removably closing the opening. According to a further preferred embodiment, the system may be recyclable. According to a preferred embodiment, the receptacle may be filled with a food product, such as coffee (for example roast and ground coffee or soluble coffee powder); coffee powder mixtures such as combinations of soluble coffee, whitener and optionally sweetener; malt beverages; milk-shake powder; chocolate beverage powder; milk powder; infant formula; seasoning powder; sauces; spices or confectionery, and preferably sealingly closed by the member, which may be sealed onto the rim portion. According to a preferred embodiment, the receptacle may comprise a second fastening structure that may be configured to correspond with the fastening structure of the lid. According to a further preferred embodiment, the lid may be removably connected to the receptacle. For instance, the lid may be removably connected to the receptacle by reversible engagement of the fastening structure and the second fastening structure.

In addition to the advantages described above for the lid, the system of the invention further facilitates that an entirely recyclable system for storing food products can be provided without having to compromise on product integrity and shelf-life of the products to be stored.

4. Brief description of drawings

Further features, advantages and objects of the invention will become apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention and when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings. In case numerals have been omitted from a figure, for example for reasons of clarity, the corresponding features may still be present in the figure.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lid part according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a lid according to an embodiment of the invention, which is formed by two lid parts shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lid with a lid handling part according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of two lid parts according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

5. Detailed description

Figures 1 to 5 show different views and aspects of different embodiments of a removable lid 100 and of a system 200 for storing food products in accordance with the invention. Therein, Figures 1 to 5 show different views, aspects and parts of the removable lid 100 in different embodiments of the invention. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the system 200 according to the invention.

A first aspect of the invention relates to the removable lid 100, which is suitable (and/or configured) for closing an opening 211 in an attachment direction 190. Figures 1 to 3 and 5 show different exemplary embodiments of the lid 100. The lid 100 is configured to engage with a receptacle 210, such as a jar, that is suitable (and/or configured) for holding food products 220 and that comprises a circumferential rim portion 212 surrounding the opening 211. Figure 5 exemplarily shows the lid 100 attached to the receptacle 210. From this figure, it can be seen that the lid 100 may cover the opening 211 preferably entirely. Therein, the lid 100 may close the opening 211 towards the side opposite to the attachment direction 190. Preferably, the lid 100, when attached to the receptacle 210, may form a side surface and/or physical barrier of the receptacle 210. Preferably, the attachment direction 190 may be orthogonal to a surface delimited by the rim portion 212. The lid 100 may be placed over the opening 211 by being moved relatively to the receptacle 210 along the attachment direction.

The lid 100 may have any shape. The lid 100 may be a rotary body. For instance, when viewed in the attachment direction 190 (e.g. a top view), the lid 100 may be symmetric, asymmetric, noncircular, square, rectangular, or circular. The lid 100 may preferably have a non-circular, square or rectangular cross section. Figures 2 and 3 show the lid 100 exemplarily with a rectangular shape when viewed in the attachment direction 190. Figure 5 shows the lid 100 with a rectangular cross section.

The lid 100 comprises a cover portion 110. Figures 1 to 5 show the cover portion 110 exemplarily. The cover portion 110 comprises an upper surface 111 for covering the opening 211 of the receptacle 210. The upper surface 111 may be continuous to cover the opening 211. Preferably, the upper surface 111 may be delimited by a peripheral edge or peripheral rim 112 (Figure 1). Preferably, the cover portion 110 may form the top of the lid 100 in a usual operational position.

Further, the lid 100 comprises a skirt portion 120. Figures 1 to 5 show the skirt portion 120 exemplarily. The skirt portion 120 extends from the cover portion 110. Preferably, the skirt portion 120 may extend from the upper surface 111. For instance, the skirt portion 120 may extend continuously or intermittently circumferentially from the cover portion 110. Thus, it is conceivable that the skirt portion 120 may be formed by several sections arranged discontinuously around the circumference of the cover portion 110 (preferably of the upper surface 111 or peripheral rim 112). The skirt portion 120 circumferentially delimits together with the cover portion 110 a receiving space 105 (e.g. defines the (physical) limits of the receiving space 105) for receiving the rim portion 212 inside the lid 100 when closing the opening 211 with the lid 100. Figure 5 shows exemplarily how the rim portion 212 may be received inside the receiving space 105 when the receptacle 210 and the lid 100 are brought together to close the opening 211.

The lid 100 comprises a fastening structure 140 for providing a form- and/or force-closed connection. For instance, the fastening structure 140 may be an internal screw-on-connector and/or an internal snap-on-connector. The fastening structure 140 protrudes laterally from a lateral inner side 121 of the skirt portion 120 towards and into the receiving space 105 in a direction transversely to the attachment direction 190. Figures 1, 2 4 and 5 show this exemplarily. Therein, “lateral” may be generally understood, for example, as being lateral with respect to the direction of extension of the skirt portion 120 from the cover portion 110, and/or with respect to the attachment direction 190. For example, the lateral inner side 121 may be an interior surface of the skirt portion 120. Preferably, the lateral inner side 121 may extend preferably continuously circumferentially along (or with) the peripheral rim 112 of the cover portion 110.

Preferably, the fastening structure 140 may comprise one or more fastening elements 141. For example, the fastening elements 141 may comprise internal threads and/or snap-fit connectors. For instance, these may be considered typical examples for connecting elements that establish a form- and/or force-closed connection. However, other configurations of the fastening elements 141 are conceivable. The fastening elements 141 may extend partially or intermittently along the circumference of the skirt portion 120. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening elements 141 may be distributed about the circumference of the skirt portion 120. For example, the fastening elements 141 may be evenly distributed about the circumference of the skirt portion 120. The fastening elements 141 may be provided on the lateral inner side 121 as one or more opposing pairs, which may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the receiving space 105. Figures 2, 4 and 5 exemplarily show that the inner side 121 of the skirt portion may be provided with an internal thread as the fastening structure 140, which is formed by discontinuous thread sections 142 thereof as the fastening elements 141.

The lid 100 is composed of two or more individual and connected lid parts 101, 102, which complement each other to form the lid 100. The lid parts 101, 102 may have an identical or a different configuration to each other. In Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 the lid 100 is exemplarily shown as being composed by two lid parts 101, 102 formed as complementary halves of the lid 100. Preferably, the lid parts 101, 102 may have a triangular or semi -ellipsis shape when seen in top view.

Preferably, each of the lid parts 101, 102 may comprise a lateral end section 150, where the respective lid part 101, 102 is open to a side opposite to the lateral inner side 121. Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 show this exemplarily. Preferably, the lid 100 may be configured such that at least two of the lid parts 101, 102 may be abutting each other at their respective lateral end section 150. In the lid 100, the lid parts 101, 102 may be aligned along the lateral end sections 150 of the lid parts 101, 102. For instance, the lateral end section 150 may be a front side or a peripheral edge (section) extending transversally to the circumference of the lid part 101, 102.

Each of the lid parts 101, 102 may preferably comprise one or more connection sections 160 for forming a connection between at least two of the lid parts 101, 102. For example, the connection section 160 of each of the lid parts 101, 102 may be provided on the lateral end section 150. This is exemplarily shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5. Therein, various configurations of the connection section 160 are conceivable:

For example, at least one of the connection section(s) 160 may be formed as a flange portion 161. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate such configuration. The flange portion 161 may extend laterally from the skirt portion 120. Alternatively or additionally, the flange portion 161 may extend transversely to the cover portion 110. Preferably, the flange portion 161 may extend along the outer contour of the respective lid part 101, 102 and/or along the outer contour of the lateral end section 150. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the connection section(s) 160 may be formed as a surface section 162. The surface section 162 may preferably be configured such that it faces in a direction transversely to the attachment direction 190. This is exemplarily shown in Figure 4.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the connection section(s) 160 may be formed as a hinge section. For instance, at least two of the lid parts 101, 102 may be integrally moulded with the hinge section. Thereby, the at least two lid parts 101, 102 can be brought into at least partial abutment by collapsing the two respective lid parts 101, 102 onto each other.

Generally, it is conceivable that in the lid 100, the lid parts 101, 102 may be glued to each other on at least one of their respective connection sections 160. For instance, Figure 2 shows the two lid parts 101, 102 being glued to each other along their respective flange portions 161 to form the lid 100.

Each of the lid parts 101, 102 is integrally made by moulding pulp. For instance, each of the lid parts 101, 102 may form a single piece or item.

At least two of the lid parts 101, 102 comprise each at least a section of the fastening structure 140. Said section of the fastening structure 140 may comprise at least one of the fastening elements 141. Thus, preferably, each of the lid parts 101, 102 may comprise at least one or a section of the fastening element 141. For instance, Figures 2, 4 and 5 show exemplarily that each of the lid parts 101, 102 may comprise at least a section 142 of an internal thread as the fastening structure 140.

The lid 100 may preferably comprise at least one parting line and/or parting plane 180. The lid 100 may be configured such that two of the lid parts 101, 102 sandwich the parting line and/or parting plane 180. By defining the parting line and/or parting plane 180 appropriately, demoulding can be facilitated and/or simplified. Figures 1, 2 and 5 exemplarily show the lid 100 comprising at least one parting plane 180 that may extend along the attachment direction 190 and through the centre point of the upper surface 111 of the cover portion 110.

The parting line and/or parting plane 180 may extend at least partially between adjoining lid parts 101, 102. Accordingly, the parting line and/or parting plane 180 may pass through a physical frontier between individual lid parts 101, 102. Figures 2 and 5 show this. The parting line and/or parting plane 180 may intersect the centre of the cover portion 110. Alternatively or additionally, the parting line and/or parting plane 180 may intersect at least a section of the cover portion 110 and the skirt portion 120. Preferably the parting plane 180 may delimit each of the lid parts 101,

102 such that any cross-section of the respective lid part 101, 102 in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane 180 comprises a geometry on the inside delimiting the receiving space 105 without undercuts or negative draft angles. The fastening elements 141 may be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the parting line and/or plane 180.

Preferably, the lid 100 may further comprise a member 170 for providing barrier properties, e.g. an oxygen or moisture barrier. Alternatively or additionally, the member 170 may be configured for exerting a lifting force against the cover portion 110 by expanding between the cover portion 110 and the rim portion 212 of the receptacle 210 when the lid 100 closes the opening 211. This is exemplarily illustrated in Figure 5. The member 170 may have any shape, such as a disc. In the lid 100, the member 170 may preferably be provided in the receiving space 105 between the cover portion 110 and the fastening structure 140. Therein, the member 170 may abut and/or may entirely cover the upper surface 111 of the cover portion 110. For instance, the member 170 may be glued to the cover portion 110 on the inside of the lid 100. The member 170 may comprise plastic, foam, paper, metal or any combination thereof. Moreover, the member 170 may have a single layer or multilayer structure. Alternatively or additionally, the member 170 may comprise a resilient and/or heat sealable material.

The lid 100 may further comprise a lid handling part 103 for manually handling the lid 100. Figure 3 shows an example for a configuration of the lid handling part 103. The lid handling part

103 may have any shape. For instance, the lid handling part 103 may have a non-circular, square or rectangular cross section. Alternatively or additionally, when viewed in the attachment direction 190, the lid handling part 103 may be non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular. The lid handling part 103 may be cup-shaped and/or may form a cap. Alternatively or additionally, the lid handling part 103 may comprise a top portion 131 comprising an outer surface 132 extending between a peripheral edge 133. Furthermore, the lid handling part 103 may comprise a second skirt portion 134, which may extend from the peripheral edge 133 of the top portion 131 and thereby delimit with a second inner side a second receiving space for at least partially or entirely receiving the two or more lid parts 101, 102 on a side opposite to the outer surface 132. The lid parts 101, 102 may be received in the lid handling part 103. Alternatively or additionally, the lid parts 101, 102 may be connected to the lid handling part 103. The lid parts 101, 102 may be fixed to the inside the second receiving space, for example, through an adhesive bond of external surface sections of the lid parts 101, 102 (e.g. the upper surface 111 and/or the skirt portion 120) with the second inner side of the second skirt portion 134. Alternatively or additionally, the lid parts 101, 102 may be fixed to the inside the second receiving space with a press- fitted or snap-fitted connection between the lid parts 101, 102, or, more specifically at least one of the upper surface 111 and the skirt portion 120, with the second inner side of the second skirt portion 134. For this, the lid handling part 103 may comprise second surface features for clipping the lid parts 101, 102 on the inner side of the second skirt portion 134 to transmit torque and/or force to the lid parts 101, 102. The second surface features may preferably correspond with surface features provided on an external side of the skirt portion 120 and/or the cover portion 110. It is also conceivable that surface features may be provided on one or more of the connection sections 160, which preferably may correspond with the second surface features.

The second receiving space may be non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular when viewed in the attachment direction 190. The lid parts 101, 102 may be configured such to have a shape that facilitates to take and/or to transmit torque to and/or from the lid handling part 103 when the lid 100 is turned about the attachment direction 190 (e.g. when handling of the lid 100).

For instance, Figures 2 and 4 exemplarily illustrate that the lid 100 may have a non-circular, approximately rectangular shape in top view and that the parting plane 180 may extend diagonally between the two larger lateral sides of the lid 100. Preferably, the lid parts 101, 102 may form complementary (triangular) halves of the lid 100. The lid 100 may further comprise the lid handling part 103 with the second receiving space also being of non-circular, approximately rectangular shape in top view. Accordingly, the shape of the second receiving space may correspond with the (triangular) shape of the lid parts 101, 102 such that the lid parts 101, 102 cannot move inside the second receiving space. Consequently, such configuration of the lid 100 may be particularly advantageous when torque or forces are to be transmitted from the lid handling part 103 to the fastening structure 140, such as they may exist when engaging the internal threads of the lid 100 with external threads of the rim portion 211. In addition, the lid parts 101, 102 may only have to be fixed by glue dots on their upper surface 111 to the lid handling part 103 to provide mechanical stability while lateral provision of glue may be omitted (but may be applied as well, of course). The lid 100, the lid parts 101, 102 and the lid handling part 103 may be each made entirely from pulp. Therein, the pulp may comprise at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of cellulosic fibrous material. The cellulosic fibrous material may be selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugar cane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, rags or combinations thereof. Preferably, the lid 100 and/or its components may be configured to be recyclable in a paper recycling stream and/or may be configured to be compostable. The lid 100, the lid parts 101, 102 and/or the lid handling part 103 may comprise a material thickness between 100 pm to 6 mm, 100 pm to 3 mm, or 150 pm to 2 mm, or 200 pm to 1 mm.

It is further conceivable that the lid 100 or any one of its structures or components may comprise a coating or surface laminate for providing barrier properties. The coating or laminate may be a biodegradable substance or material. For instance, the lid handling part 103 or the cover portion 110, the skirt portion 120 and/or the fastening structure 140 may comprise a coating or laminate for providing barrier properties and/or for increasing surface friction. For instance, a barrier to oxygen and moisture may be provided by thermo-lamination of a biodegradable liner, such as BVOH or a liner such as PP/EVOH. In addition, increased friction and tightness with a glass thread of the receptacle 210 may be provided by providing such laminate.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system 200 for storing food products 220. Figure 5 exemplarily shows a configuration of the system 200. Preferably, all components of the system 200 individually and/or collectively may be recyclable.

The system 200 comprises a receptacle 210 for holding food products 220. For instance, the receptacle 210 may be a jar, box or container. The receptacle 210 comprises a circumferential rim portion 212 that surrounds an opening 211, through which preferably the food products 220 may be removed from or added into the receptacle 210 before removably closing the receptacle 220 with a lid. For this, the system 200 comprises the removable lid 100 described hereinabove, which preferably may be removably connected to the receptacle 210

The receptacle 210 may be filled with a food product 220, such as coffee (for example roast and ground coffee or soluble coffee powder); coffee powder mixtures such as combinations of soluble coffee, whitener and optionally sweetener; malt beverages; milk-shake powder; chocolate beverage powder; milk powder; infant formula; seasoning powder; sauces; spices or confection- ery. Preferably, the receptacle 210 may comprise a second fastening structure 214 that may be configured to correspond with the fastening structure 140 of the lid 100 to form a reversible form- and/or force closed connection. Thereby, the fastening structure 140 and the second fastening structure 214 may reversibly engage to connect the lid 100 removably with the recepta- cle 210. Preferably, the member 170 of the lid 100 may be heat sealed to the rim portion 212 to provide primary sealing of the enclosed food products 220.

The invention is not limited by the embodiments as described hereinabove, as long as being covered by the appended claims. All the features of the embodiments described hereinabove can be combined in any possible way and be provided interchangeably.

Claims

1. A removable lid (100) for closing in an attachment direction (190) an opening (211) of a receptacle (210) for holding food products (220), the receptacle (210) having a circumferential rim portion (212) surrounding the opening (211), wherein the lid (100) is composed of two or more individual and connected lid parts (101, 102) that are respectively integrally made by moulding pulp and that complement each other to form the lid (100), wherein the lid (100) comprises:

- a cover portion (110) with an upper surface (111) for covering the opening (211) of the receptacle (210),

- a skirt portion (120) extending from the cover portion (110) to circumferentially delimit together with the cover portion (110) a receiving space (105) for receiving the rim portion (212) inside the lid (100) when closing the opening (211) with the lid (100), and

- a fastening structure (140) for providing a form- and/or force-closed connection, wherein the fastening structure (140) protrudes laterally from a lateral inner side (121) of the skirt portion (120) towards and into the receiving space (105) in a direction transversely to the attachment direction (190), wherein at least two of the lid parts (101, 102) comprise each at least a section of the fastening structure (140).

2. The lid (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (100) comprises at least one parting line and/or parting plane (180), which extends at least partially between adjoining lid parts (101, 102) and/or passes through a physical frontier between individual lid parts (101, 102), and wherein preferably the parting line and/or plane (180) intersects the centre of the upper surface (111) or intersects at least a section of the cover portion (110) and the skirt portion (120), and/or wherein preferably the parting plane (180) delimits each of the lid parts (101, 102) such that any cross-section of the respective lid part (101, 102) in a direction perpendicular to the part- ing plane (180) comprises a geometry on the inside delimiting the receiving space (105) without undercuts or negative draft angles.

3. The lid (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastening structure (140) comprises one or more fastening elements (141), such as internal threads and/or snap-fit connectors, wherein preferably each of the lid parts (101, 102) comprises at least one or a section of the fastening element (141), and wherein the fastening elements (141) extend partially or intermittently along the circumference of the skirt portion (120), and/or wherein the fastening elements (141) are preferably evenly distributed about the circumference of the skirt portion (120), and/or wherein the fastening elements (141) are provided on the lateral inner side (121) as one or more opposing pairs, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the receiving space (105) and/or preferably on opposite sides with respect to the parting line and/or plane (180).

4. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the lid parts (101, 102) comprises a lateral end section (150), where the respective lid part (101, 102) is open to a side opposite to the lateral inner side (121), wherein preferably, in the lid (100), at least two of the lid parts (101, 102) are abutting each other at their respective lateral end section (150) and/or two of the lid parts (101, 102) sandwich the parting line and/or plane (180).

5. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the lid parts (101, 102) comprises one or more connection sections (160) for forming a connection between at least two of the lid parts (101, 102), wherein preferably the connection section (160) of each of the lid parts (101, 102) is provided on the lateral end section (150), and wherein preferably the connection section (160) is formed as

- a flange portion (161), which extends laterally from the skirt portion (120) and preferably transversely to the cover portion (110) along the outer contour of the respective lid part (101, 102), preferably along the outer contour of the lateral end section (150), - a surface section (162), preferably facing in a direction transversely to the attachment direction (190), and/or

- a hinge section, wherein at least two of the lid parts (101, 102) are integrally moulded with the hinge section to bring the at least two lid parts (101, 102) into at least partial abutment by collapsing the two respective lid parts (101, 102) onto each other, and/or wherein preferably in the lid (100), the lid parts (101, 102) are glued to each other with at least one of their respective connection sections (160).

6. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (100) comprises further a preferably disc-shaped member (170) for providing barrier properties and/or for exerting a lifting force against the cover portion (110) by expanding between the cover portion (110) and the rim portion (212) of the receptacle (210) when the lid (100) closes the opening (211), wherein preferably the member (170) comprises plastic, foam, paper, metal or any combination thereof, and/or wherein preferably the member (170) has a single layer or multilayer structure, and/or wherein preferably the member (170) comprises a resilient and/or heat sealable material, and/or wherein preferably in the lid (100), the member (170) is provided in the receiving space (105) between the cover portion (110) and the fastening structure (140), wherein more preferred the member (170) abuts and/or entirely covers the upper surface (111) of the cover portion (110), wherein even more preferred the member (170) is glued to the cover portion (110) on the inside of the lid (100).

7. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (100), the cover portion (110), the skirt portion (120) and/or the fastening structure (140) comprises a coating or laminate for providing barrier properties and/or increasing surface friction, wherein preferably the coating or laminate is a biodegradable substance or material.

8. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lid handling part (103) for manually handling the lid (100), wherein the lid handling part (103) comprises

- a top portion (131) comprising an outer surface (132) extending between a peripheral edge (133), and

- a second skirt portion (134) extending from the peripheral edge (133) of the top portion (131) and delimiting with a second inner side a second receiving space for at least partially or entirely receiving the two or more lid parts (101, 102) on a side opposite to the outer surface (132), wherein the lid parts (101, 102) are received in and/or connected to the lid handling part (103) inside the second receiving space, preferably through an adhesive bond, a press-fitted or snap-fitted connection between the upper surface (111) or the skirt portion (120) of the lid parts (101, 102) and the second inner side of the second skirt portion (134), respectively.

9. The lid (100) according to preceding claim 8, wherein the lid handling part (103) comprises second surface features for clipping the lid parts (101, 102) on the inner side of the second skirt portion (134) to transmit torque and/or force to the lid parts (101, 102), wherein the second surface features preferably correspond with surface features provided on an external side of the skirt portion (120) and/or cover portion (110) and/or preferably on one or more of the connection sections (160).

10. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (100), preferably the lid handling part (103), has a non-circular, square or rectangular cross section, and/or wherein the lid (100), preferably the second receiving space, is non-circular, square, rectangular, or circular when viewed in the attachment direction (190), wherein preferably the lid parts (101, 102) have a complement shape to take and/or to transmit torque to and/or from the lid handling part (103), when the lid (100) is turned about the attachment direction (190).

11. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (100), preferably the lid handling part (103), comprises a material thickness between 100 pm to 6 mm, 100 pm to 3 mm, or 150 pm to 2 mm, or 200 pm to 1 mm.

12. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (100) and/or each of the lid parts (101, 102) and/or preferably the lid handling part (103) is made preferably entirely from pulp, wherein the pulp preferably comprises at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 100% of cellulosic fibrous material, which preferably is selected from the group consisting of bamboo, sugar cane, sugar beet root, wood, fiber crops, waste paper, rags or combinations thereof, and/or wherein the lid (100) is recyclable in a paper recycling stream and/or compostable.

13. The lid (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (100) comprises two lid parts (101, 102) that are formed as two complementary halves of the lid (100), wherein preferably the lid (100) comprises one parting plane (180) that extends along the attachment direction (190) through the centre of the cover portion (110).

14. A system (200) for storing food products (220), comprising

- a receptacle (210) for holding food products (220) with an opening (211) having a circumferential rim portion (212) surrounding the opening (211), and

- a removable lid (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 13 for removably closing the opening (211).

15. The system (200) according to preceding claim 14, wherein the receptacle (210) comprises a second fastening structure (214) that is configured to correspond with the fastening structure (140) of the lid (100), and/or wherein the lid (100) is removably connected to the receptacle (210), preferably by reversible engagement of the fastening structure (140) and the second fastening structure (214), and/or wherein the receptacle (210) is filled with a food product (220), such as coffee, and preferably sealingly closed by the member (170) being sealed onto the rim portion (212) and/or wherein the system (200) is recyclable.