WO2025103914A1

WO2025103914A1 - A compostable cellulose-based capsule for containing beverage ingredients

Info

Publication number: WO2025103914A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/081795
Authority: WO
Inventors: Camille Marie-Rose Eliane DAGANAUD; Frédéric Doleac; Capucine MOLLIEX
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Priority date: 2023-11-13
Filing date: 2024-11-11
Publication date: 2025-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-13

Abstract

The invention concerns a compostable food and/or beverage container (1) comprising cellulose-based material comprising cellulose fibers, for containing a food and/or beverage ingredient (7) for use with a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff thereof, the container (1) comprising a container body (2) forming a storage portion (4) to host the food and/or beverage ingredient (7) and a closing member (6) for closing the storage portion (4) of the body (2), said container body (2) comprising an outwardly extending rim portion (5) for the closing member (6) to seal thereon, wherein the body (2) and/or the closing member (6) comprises a laser marked pattern (11) on its external surface facing away from the storage portion (4), said marked pattern (11) comprising, on its surface, cellulose fibers having an external diameter at least 5% larger than the external diameter of the cellulose fibers of the container body (2) and/or of the closing member (6) located outside of the marked pattern (11). The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing said compostable food and/or beverage container and the use of said container.

Description

A COMPOSTABLE CELLULOSE-BASED CAPSULE FOR CONTAINING BEVERAGE INGREDIENTS

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to compostable cellulose-based container for containing beverage ingredients and to methods of manufacturing such capsules.

In greater detail, the present invention relates to a single-use cellulose-based container (capsule or pod for example) comprising a visual pattern containing a product in powder form, leaf form or the like, preferably coffee, which is destined to be mixed with a liquid (for example hot water or cold water at pressure) by interaction with the beverage preparation machine to obtain a drink and to a manufacturing method of such a container.

Background

In the field of cellulose-based packaging conventional differentiation is made through printing. Generally, printers use ink in various ways to print an image or a distinctive sign on a cellulose-based (for example, on a paper-based) object.

The use of ink(s) has several disadvantages, one of them being that these inks must be compliant with the safety requirement of the food and beverage industry when the cellulose-based object is intended to come/be in direct or indirect contact with food and / or beverage ingredient.

Additionally, when considering the field of compostable packaging, it may be difficult to find an ink that does not influence composability and that can withstand a required shelf life of at least 12 months.

In view of these constraints, there have been attempts to provide inkless (or ink-free) solutions to provide differentiations on cellulose-based objects.

Laser technology is a known alternative to ink printing and is widely used for its versatility and precision.

EP 2 978 610 Al proposes to provide selective carbonization of at least a part of a surface of a paper object using a laser diode beam that selectively heats one or more parts of the surface of said paper object to a level wherein the heated part of said surface at least partly carbonizes and thereby changes color. This solution may be described as high-power laser engraving (or deep laser engraving). However, deep laser engraving of cellulose-based objects generates fume and dust which may be difficult to manage in certain industries like the food and beverage industry.

Additionally, when the cellulose-based object, which could be a 2D or 3D product or element, for example a beverage container, comprises a specific internal protection in the form of a coating or of a liner, deep laser engraving of the cellulose-based object on the surface opposite the one comprising the coating/liner, may damage such coating or liner. This may be quite problematic especially when such coating or liner brings specific additional properties to the cellulose-based object, for example a barrier to gas and/or to moisture. Indeed, the internal barrier coating/liner may remain integral and fully functional to avoid deterioration of the beverage ingredient contained in the beverage container.

Taking the example of cellulose-based compostable container holding food and/or beverage ingredients, for example coffee capsules, there is a need to provide a container differentiation that does not impair the technical properties of the container on which it is applied and that is compliant with the food/beverage industry and safety requirements.

Summary of the Invention

As used herein, the term "machine" or "device" may refer to an electrically operated device or machine that: can prepare, from a precursor material or ingredient, a beverage and/or foodstuff, or; can prepare, from a pre-precursor material, a precursor material that can be subsequently prepared into a beverage and/or foodstuff. The machine may implement said preparation by one or more of the following processes: dilution; heating; pressurisation; cooling; mixing; whisking; dissolution; soaking; steeping; extraction; conditioning; infusion; grinding, and other like process. The machine may be dimensioned for use on a work top, e.g. it may be less than 70 cm in length, width and height. As used herein, the term "prepare" in respect of a beverage and/or foodstuff may refer to the preparation of at least part of the beverage and/or foodstuff (e.g. a beverage is prepared by said machine in its entirety or part prepared to which the end-user may manually add extra fluid prior to consumption, including milk and/or water).

As used herein, the term "container" or "capsule" or "pod" may refer to any configuration to contain the precursor material, e.g. as a single-serving, pre-portioned amount. The container may have a maximum capacity such that it can only contain a single serving of precursor material. The container may be single use, e.g. it is physically altered after a preparation process, which can include one or more of: perforation to supply fluid; for example a liquid like water, to the precursor material; perforation to supply the beverage/foodstuff from the container; opening by a user to extract the precursor material. The container may be configured for operation with a container processing unit of the machine, e.g. it may include a flange for alignment and directing the container through or arrangement on said unit. The container may include a rupturing portion, which is arranged to rupture when subject to a particular pressure to deliver the beverage/foodstuff. The container may have a membrane for closing the container. The container may have various forms, including one or more of: frustoconical; cylindrical; disk; hemispherical, and other like form. The container may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or wood pulp based a combination thereof. The material may be selected such that it is: food-safe; it can withstand the pressure and/or temperature of a preparation process. The container may be defined as a capsule or as a pod, wherein a capsule or pod may have an internal volume of 5 - 100 ml. The capsule includes a coffee capsule, e.g. a Nespresso® capsule (including a Original Line, Professional, Vertuo Line, or other capsule).

As used herein, the term "system" or "beverage or foodstuff preparation system" may refer to the combination of any two or more of: the beverage or foodstuff preparation machine; the container; the server system, and the peripheral device.

As used herein, the term "beverage" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot. The beverage may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The beverage may include one or a combination of: tea; coffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial; vitamin composition; herbal tea/infusion; infused/flavoured water, and other extractable substance. As used herein, the term "foodstuff" may refer to any substance capable of being processed to a nutriment for eating, which may be chilled or hot. The foodstuff may be one or more of: a solid; a liquid; a gel; a paste. The foodstuff may include yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard; smoothies; other substance. It will be appreciated that there is a degree of overlap between the definitions of a beverage and foodstuff, e.g. a beverage can also be a foodstuff and thus a machine that is said to prepare a beverage or foodstuff does not preclude the preparation of both.

As used herein, the term "precursor material" or "beverage ingredient" may refer to any material capable of being processed to form part or all of the beverage or foodstuff. The precursor material can be one or more of a: powder; crystalline; liquid; gel; solid, and other. Examples of a beverage forming precursor material include ground coffee; milk powder; tea leaves; coco powder; vitamin composition; herbs, e.g. for forming an herbal/infusion tea; a flavouring, and; other like material. Examples of a foodstuff forming precursor material include dried vegetables or stock as anhydrous soup powder; powdered milk; flour-based powders including custard; powdered yoghurt or ice-cream, and; other like material. A precursor material may also refer to any pre-precursor material capable of being processed to a precursor material as defined above, i.e. any precursor material that can subsequently be processed to a beverage and/or foodstuff. In an example, the pre-precursor material includes coffee beans which can be ground and/or heated (e.g. roasted) to the precursor material.

As used herein, the term "fluid" (in respect of fluid supplied by a fluid conditioning system) may include one or more of a liquid, for example, water; milk; other. As used herein the term "wood pulp-based" may refer to the material or a portion of material forming the container which is one or more of: porous; fibrous; cellulosic; formed of cellulosic material; formed of natural cellulosic material; formed of reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material; non-woven; is composed entirely of or is a composition of wood pulp and is wet or dry formed. A thickness of the wood-based material may be 0.08 mm to 0.90 mm, for example between 0.10 mm and 0.75 mm or generally about 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm. The wood-based material may be 200-400 gsm.

As used herein the term "non-woven" may refer to a fabric-like material which is not woven or knitted. A non-woven material may be made from bonded together fibers. As used herein the term "porous" may refer to material configured with interstices to transmit water (or other liquid) therethrough.

As used herein the term "fibrous" or "fiber-based" may refer to material comprised of fibers, which may be present in one or more of the material constituents.

As used herein the term "cellulosic", "cellulose-based" or "cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody (from soft wood and/or hard wood species) and/or non-woody materials. These materials may be bleached and unbleached and may include a regenerated or reconstituted cellulose. Examples of softwood are Pine, Spruce, Redwood etc. Examples of hardwood are Maple, Oak, Ash, Eucalyptus, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Beech etc. Examples of non- woody origin cellulose-based material are rice, manila hemp, sisal, jute, bamboo, maize, sugar cane, sugar cane residues (bagasse), banana peels, coffee ground.

As used herein the term "natural cellulosic material" may refer to conventionally woody materials or non-woody materials, which are not regenerated. As used herein the term "reconstituted or regenerated cellulosic material" may refer natural cellulosic material subject to processing that comprises reconstitution or regeneration, examples include rayon and lyocell.

As used herein the term "wood pulp" may refer to a lignocellulosic fibrous material, which may be prepared by mechanical or chemical separation of cellulose fibers from one or more of wood, fiber crops, paper, or rags. As used herein the term "wet formed" may refer to a process of forming from an aqueous solution of fibers. The aqueous solution of fibers may be heated and pressed in a mold to set the material and remove water therefrom. As used herein the term "dry formed" may refer to a process of forming not using aqueous solution of fibers.

In these respects, the invention provides a compostable food and/or beverage container comprising cellulose-based material according to Claim 1. In more details, the invention relates to a compostable food and/or beverage container comprising cellulose-based material comprising cellulose fibers, for containing a food and/or beverage ingredient for use with a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff thereof, the container comprising a container body forming a storage portion to host the food and/or beverage ingredient and a closing member (6) for closing the storage portion of the body, said container body comprising an outwardly extending rim portion for the closing member to seal thereon.

In the claimed invention, the body and/or the closing member comprises a laser marked pattern on its external surface facing away from the storage portion and said marked pattern comprises, on its surface, cellulose fibers having an external diameter being at least 5% larger than the external diameter of the cellulose fibers of the container body and/or of the closing member located outside of the marked pattern.

The increase of the external diameter of the marked cellulose fibers allows for a visual differentiation between the laser marked cellulose fibers and the cellulose fibers without laser marked. Hence, the proposed specific laser marking makes it possible to have an ink-less marking of the capsule with no handling and storage of fluids and solvents.

More particularly, the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern of the container body and/or of the closing member having the enlarged external diameter, are extending from the external surface of the container body and/or of the closing member over a thickness comprised between 1 micron and 40 microns.

As the surface of the marked pattern is modified during the laser marking, the marking is permanent and advantageously cannot get erased with time.

It is to be noted that with the proposed laser marking, the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern have a different light diffraction than the one of the cellulose fibers outside of the marked pattern.

For instance, the laser treated cellulose fibers have a different colour than the untreated cellulose fibers of the container which allows for an improved differentiation between the marked pattern and the rest of the container surface.

More particularly, the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern are of a whiter color than the cellulose fibers located outside of the marked pattern which is particularly advantageous when the cellulose fibers are of brown color.

What is of particular interest with the proposed capsule (and proposed laser marking method) is that no additives are added to the cellulose-based material (for example the pulp or the paper) to obtain a good contrast between the marked pattern and the cellulose-based material so the end consumer can easily read the information presented on the pattern. According to a proposed feature, the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern are void of carbonized cellulose fibers so that there is no removal of cellulose fibers during the laser marking.

According to a further feature, the cellulose-based material is a plant-based fiber material comprising woold and/or non-wood fiber material that is optionally bleached. As the marking is inkless, it allows to have a fully biodegradable / compostable container solution with improved visual differentiation.

In more detail, the cellulose-based material is selected within the list of paper, calendared paper, parchment paper, cardboard, molded-pulp, or combination thereof.

According to an important feature, the marked pattern forms a differentiating sign selected within the group of a logo, a brand range, a product name, a trademark, a coded information, and combination thereof, or a weakened zone.

Hence, thanks to the marked pattern, the containers of different companies or manufacturers may be differentiated. In case the marked pattern is a coded information (coding for example for brewing parameters), after reading of the coded information by the beverage preparation machine, the beverage ingredient stored in the container may be extracted using these coded optimum parameters to obtain the required beverage.

For coffee containers like capsules or pods, it may also then be possible to distinguish containers having different coffee ranges (lungo, ristretto or else for example) or type (decaffeinated for example).

In addition, the body and/or the closing member of the container comprises on its side facing the storage portion a coating and/or a multilayer liner material, comprising gas and/or water vapor or moisture barrier function. The proposed laser marking with the cellulose fibers structure change is particularly of interest as there is no risk of damaging of the coating and/or a multilayer liner material the body and/or the closing member of the container.

According to an additional feature, the food and/or beverage ingredients is a beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee.

In a proposed option, the closing member of the container may be a closing membrane thereby forming a (3D shaped) capsule when the closing membrane is assembled onto the rim portion of the container body. The laser marking pattern may then advantageously be applied on the closing membrane and/or on a sidewall of the capsule, for example a Nespresso ® Original Line capsule allowing the consumer to differentiate this specific capsule from other capsules.

In another proposed option, the closing member of the container may be a container body thereby forming a pod when the container body forming the closing member assembled on the first container body. Advantageously, the pod may be a paper-based Nespresso® Professional pod which is marked with the Nespresso® logo and/or on which is indicated, for example, the coffee range or type.

The invention is also related to a method of manufacturing of a cellulose-based biodegradable and/or compostable food and/or beverage container as previously disclosed and according to claim 14.

In more details, the method comprises: a. shaping or forming a container body; b. filling the container body with a food and/or beverage ingredient; c. closing the container body with a closing member; wherein the method further comprises a step of surface laser marking of a pattern with a CO2 laser working in the infrared spectrum using an optical power comprised between 0.1 and 60 W wherein the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern are of a whiter color than the cellulose fibers located outside of the marked pattern.

The proposed laser parameters and importantly the proposed range of laser power allows for permanent visual differentiation and low running costs process as no postprocessing steps are needed to get the proposed visual differentiation.

According to an additional parameter, the frequency of the laser is between 10kHz and 200kHz and the marking speed of the laser is comprised between 100 mm/s and 20000 mm/s. This is making this surface laser marking process suitable for high throughput applications and easily applicable for the production of beverage containers like capsules or pods.

More particularly, during the laser marking step, the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern have undergone a puffing effect without carbonization of the cellulose fibers which is of particular advantage on the production lines for the production of the beverage containers like capsules or pods.

The invention is also related to the use of a biodegradable and/or compostable food and/or beverage container for the preparation of a beverage and/or foodstuff in a beverage preparation machine. The proposed laser marking and marked container provides improved visual differentiation by the consumer. The above aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, from the detailed description, and annexed drawings.

Brief description of the Drawings

The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1A is a bottom perspective of a cellulose-based capsule comprising a storage portion and Figure IB is a side cross-sectional view though section lines A-A of the same capsule showing the storage portion and closing member;

Figure 2A, is a perspective view of a pulp-moulded capsule of the prior art and Figure 2B is a cross sectional view of cellulose fibers of said capsule;

Figure 3A is a perspective view of a pulp-moulded capsule of the prior art presenting a laser engraved pattern and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of cellulose fibers at the pattern's location of said capsule;

Figure 4A, is a perspective view of a pulp-moulded capsule of the invention presenting a laser marking pattern and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of cellulose fibers at the pattern's location of said capsule;

Figure 5 is a picture showing a portion of a cellulose-based capsule and comparing a portion with no laser marking and a portion with surface laser marking according to the invention;

Figures 6A and 6B are showing portions of a pulp-molded cellulose-based capsule with laser engraving according to the prior art and with laser marking according to the invention; and

Figure 7 show a pod with a pattern made by surface laser marking according to the invention. Detailed description

As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean including, but not limited to.

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

Figures 1A, IB, 2A, 3A, 4A and 7 propose containers, capsules C or pods P, made from biodegradable material. Figure 4A shows a capsule C and Figure 7 show a pod P marked according to the proposed invention.

These containers are made of biodegradable material and are in their entirety biodegradable. However, in addition to being biodegradable, they are preferably compostable and most preferably home compostable. They are made of a combination of biodegradable material, of a combination of compostable material, of a combination of home-compostable material or of a combination of biodegradable, compostable and home- compostable material.

Generally, the term "biodegradable" may be understood as meaning that a material is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other biological means.

Therein, the expression "biodegradable material" may be understood as any material that can be broken down into environmentally innocuous products by (the action of) living things (such as microorganisms, e.g. bacteria, fungi or algae). This process could take place in an environment with the presence of oxygen (aerobic) and/or otherwise without presence of oxygen (anaerobic). This may be understood, for example, as meaning that composting can be carried out without reservation. In particular, at the end of a composting process there are no residues of the material, which may be problematic for the environment, or any non-biodegradable components.

Generally, the term "compostable" may be understood as meaning that a material may be substantially broken down into organic matter within a few weeks or months when it is composted. At the end of a composting process, the earth may be supplied with nutrients once the material has completely broken down. 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. For instance, according to these standards, compostable materials must be biodegradable and disintegrable, i.e. fragmentation and invisibility in the final compost, and must not have negative effects on the composting process and quality. Composting may be accomplished in home composters and/or industrial composting sites. Defined conditions relating to wind, sunlight, drainage and other factors may exist at such sites.

Biodegradation can be tested following standards such as ISO 14855, ISO 17556 or ISO 14851. For example, one of the tests requires that - in order to be considered as being "industrially compostable" - at least 90% of the material in question is biologically degraded under controlled conditions in 6 months. Similar tests exist also to enable home composting certification.

For "home compostable" requirements, home-compostable materials may be composted in home composters, such as compost barrels or a home compost bin over a period of weeks or months (e.g. at least 90% degradation of materials in 12 months at ambient temperature). As a result of the composting process, the home-compostable materials may be converted into a nutrient-rich soil. Thus, a home-compostable container can be simply disposed in a home-compost pile after its use. Further, the term "material composition" may be understood, for example, as the constitution, combination and/or arrangement of (different) materials, which preferably form (altogether) a (uniform) structure, such as the container or a section thereof.

Figures 1A and IB present a capsule C made of pulp molded material. More specifically, the capsule is a Nespresso® Original Line capsule for use in a Nespresso® beverage preparation machine.

Such Nespresso® Original Line known system, and related capsules (made of aluminium) are for example disclosed in one or more of EP0512468A1, EP 0512470A1, EP1646305A1 or EP1165398A1. In these references, constructional, manufacturing and/or (beverage) extraction details of such capsules (made of aluminium) and/or closing members are also disclosed.

EP0512470A1 discloses a method for extracting a capsule under the pressure of a fluid passing through the bed of coffee contained in the capsule's body chamber; the capsule comprising a closing membrane that retains pressure and tears in contact with raised elements of engaging means of the apparatus to let the liquid extract flow in the cup.

In more details, during the process of extraction, water is supplied in the capsule after opening of its bottom wall which increases pressure inside the capsule body chamber and a capsule holder of the beverage machine, which comprising opening means, is designed for opening the closing membrane by relative engagement with the closing membrane under the effect of this rise in pressure of the injected liquid in the body chamber and inflation of the closing membrane against the piercing arrangement of the opening means.

Recently published WO 2023/052352 Al, the content of which is incorporated by hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a pulp-molded compostable capsule and in particular its structure and forming process. A pulp-molded compostable capsule C according to this reference is presented in Figures 1A and IB. This capsule, containing preferably roast and ground coffee, developed and marketed by Nespresso® is a complementary solution to aluminium capsules and is intended to be used in a Nespresso® Original Line beverage machine in the same way as the Nespresso® aluminium capsules.

Hence, the capsule C of Figures 1A and IB comprises: a container body 2, here cupshaped, with a side wall 3 defining a storage portion 4 for a beverage ingredient 7 to be extracted, a rim portion 5 integral with the cup-shaped body 2 and a closing member 6 closing the storage portion 4. The closing member 6 is a closing membrane 6a.

In order to ensure an optimum storage of the beverage ingredient 7 inside the storage portion 4, the container body 2 further comprises a barrier liner 9 (visible in Figure IB) extending on the inner surface of the container body 2 defining the storage portion 4 and on the rim portion 5 of the capsule. In the capsule C, the rim portion 5 comprises an outwardly extending curl portion 8.

The liner 9 is layered and/or laminated liner structure comprising, preferably bidirectional, barrier properties against oxygen and/or water vapor/moisture.

Alternatively to a liner, a coating may be also considered to bring the required barrier properties, especially a 3D spray coating.

Turning now to the Figures 2A to 4B, Figures 2A, 3A and 4A show pulp-molded capsules. These capsules have a similar construction as the capsules described in connection with Figures 1A and IB.

As visible, the capsule of Figure 2A does not have any marking, sign or pattern on its external side wall 3. Figure 2B is an enlarged cutout cross section view of the capsule 2A at the location of the side wall 3 showing the cellulose fibers at this specific cutout location. In Figure 2B, the view is obtained using a Keyence Optical Microscope. The reference line on the figure corresponds to 200 pm. As can be seen, the fibers are straightly compacted and connected together.

As mentioned, the capsule of Figure 3A has a similar construction as the ones shown in Figures 1A, IB and 2A. However, the capsule C further comprises an engraved pattern 10 on its external side wall 3. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the engraved pattern 10 corresponds to the capsule range "Peru" which allows the consumer to identify the capsule and related coffee contained in the capsule.

The capsule of Figure 3A corresponds to a capsule recently launched on the market. The engraved pattern 10 is made by laser engraving of the (external) sidewall 3 of the capsule C. The laser engraving process used for engraving the pattern 10 makes use of a CO2 laser working between 9 pm and 11pm at an optical power comprised between 10 W and 90 W. The frequency of the laser is generally between 1 kHz and 250 kHz and typical marking speeds may be between 800 mm/s andlO 000 mm/s. Different focal points may also be used to reach this effect such as +/- 5 mm to the initial focus. This laser engraving may be qualified as deep laser engraving.

Conventionally, as the laser engraving is focused and precise, it is possible to engrave any type of information with a high definition. The resulting effect is a readable written information (here the "Peru" coffee range). In Figure 3A, the engraved pattern 10 is of similar color or appears a bit darker (due the engraving depth) as the rest of the pulp- molded cup-shaped body 2 and may be qualified as a ton-on-ton written information.

Figures 3B is an enlarged cutout cross section view of the sidewall 3 of capsule C of Figure 3A at a location comprising the engraved pattern 7A. The reference line on the photo of Figure 3B corresponds to 200 microns.

As can be seen in Figure 3B, at the location, the laser engraving of the capsule has been performed, the cellulose fibers of the pulp molded capsule are missing over a major portion of the thickness of the sidewall 3: a groove is dug in the bulk of the cellulose fibers. The bottom of the groove is slightly of lighter color, here white however, due to the engraving depth it may not appear as such. The groove (in which the cellulose fibers are missing) extends over more than 50% of the sidewall thickness. Upon analysis of the lasered surface, it can be observed that the fibers are burnt and are showing tiny holes.

The final result of the deep laser engraving as visible in Figure 3A is a ton-on-ton hollow profile forming the engraved pattern 10.

Figure 4A presents a capsule 2A of similar construction as the ones shown in Figures 1A to 2A and 3A comprising a laser marking pattern 11 according to the invention. The laser engraved pattern 11 is different from the laser pattern 10 of the capsule of Figure 3A. As it appears on Figure 4A, the pattern 11 is of white color, at least of a whiter color than the cellulose-based molded pulp of the capsule body 2. In the present case, the contrast between the material of the capsule body 2 and the pattern 11 is improved. The laser engraving process used for making the pattern is a surface laser engraving.

The surface laser engraving process uses a CO2 laser operating by emitting high- intensity infrared light that heats the surface of the container (here made a cellulose-based material). Without being bonded by any physical theory, the surface laser engraving causes the cellulose fibers to react on their surface with the laser beam, thereby creating the desired white effect.

In the present invention, a CO2 laser (with wavelength being either 9.3 pm, 10.2 pm, or 10.6 pm) was used. In more detail, a 30W laser was used with a power between 5% and 40% of the laser power with a frequency between 10 kHz and 90 kHz. Possible marking speeds may be between 900 mm/s and 10000 mm/s. Different focal points may also be used to reach this effect such as +/- 3 mm to the initial focus. In the enlarged cutout cross section view of the sidewall 3 at the location of the engraved pattern 11, as presented in Figures 3B (in which the reference line on the photo corresponds to 200 microns), the cellulose fibers have a different state than the cellulose fibers of Figures 2B and 3B. In Figure 4B, the laser treated cellulose fibers are swollen and puffed and are presenting a different (whiter) color than the (non-laser-treated) fibers of Figure 2B.

The puffed cellulose fibers generally extend outwardly from the external surface of the cellulose-based material, they may extend over a thickness comprised between 1 micron and 40 microns.

From the measurements, the cellulose fibers of the pattern 11 comprise an external diameter that is at least 5% larger than the external diameter of the cellulose fibers of the body and/or of the closing member located outside of the pattern indicating that the cellulose fibers of the pattern 11 have undergone a puffing effect.

When using a CO2 laser working in the infrared spectrum, the range for the different laser parameters may be rather broad depending on the expected effect. For example, the optical power may be comprised between 0.1 W and 40 W, and the marking speed of the laser may be comprised between 900 mm/s and 20000 mm/s.

Figure 5 shows a comparison of enlarged views (enlargement x65 using an optical microscope) of the surface of the cellulose fibers between a surface that has been treated using surface laser engraving and a surface that has not been treated with the laser. The two surfaces presented in Figure 5 are separated by a black line representing the exposure limit.

The comparison shows that the cellulose fibers treated with the surface laser engraving have an increased external diameter compared to the one of the non-treated cellulose fibers. This increase of the diameter of the cellulose fibers is the results of a puffing of the cellulose fibers of the (cellulose-based material which leads to a color change of the fibers. This color change is a whitening of the fibers as shown in Figure 4A but also in Figure 6B that will be subsequently described.

The described surface laser engraving may be applied to a wide range of cellulose- based packaging material. Example of application on a kraft paper is presented in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A shows a portion of paper-based material, here kraft paper, engraved with a Nespresso® logo and a coffee range, using deep laser engraving and Figure 6B shows a portion of paper-based material, here kraft paper, engraved with the same elements, using surface laser engraving.

As visible, in Figure 6A, the cellulose fibers of the kraft paper are deeply engraved and cellulose material has been removed. This is particularly visible for each element of the pattern 10, in particular for each letter forming the word "RISTRETTO" and around the letters forming the Nespresso® logo. The pattern 10 is of the same color than the paper material.

Figure 6B shows the same pattern elements marked using a surface engraving process. Here the elements of the pattern 11 are appearing in white color over the brown paper material: both the Nespresso® logo, represented through laser marking of its negative imprint, and the type of coffee "RISTRETTO" in bold and cap letters, are of white color and are contrasting with the brown color of the paper. The cellulose fibers of the paper have undergone a puffing effect during the surface laser engraving resulting in a color change of the fibers. The contrast between the color of the paper material and the engraved pattern 11 (using surface laser engraving) is particularly visible.

In proposed Figure 6B, the marked pattern is a logo and a production however, the differentiating signs that can be applied through the pattern may be of various type. For example, the pattern may comprise a logo, a brand range, a product name, a trademark, a coded information, or any combination of these elements. The marked pattern may also form a weakened zone or portion.

In addition, the marked pattern may also form a weakened zone for one or more element of the container for example the closing element or a portion of the container body.

Figure 7 presents the laser marking of Figure 6B applied on a pod P (top view) made of cellulose material. More specifically, the presented pod P is made of paper-based material and is a Nespresso® professional pod for use in a Nespresso® professional beverage preparation machine.

Nespresso® Professional system is known in the art and generally works in a similar way as the Nespresso® Original Line system in which increase of pressure inside the pod further to fluid injection in the pod leads to the interaction of the pod external surface with opening means of a brewing chamber of the beverage preparation machine ending with the opening of the pod and the delivery of the brewed beverage.

The pod P comprises: a first container body 2 defining a storage portion for a beverage ingredient to be extracted, a rim portion 5 integral with the body 2 and a closing member closing the storage portion. In the pod P, the closing member 6b has the same characteristics as the container body to form a symmetric pod P when the closing member is assembled on the container body.

Similarly, as for the capsule C, to ensure an optimum storage of the beverage ingredient inside the storage portion of the pod P, the two container's bodies comprise a barrier liner extending on the inner surface of the container bodies and on the rim portion 5 of the pod. Conventionally, the liner may be a layered and/or laminated liner structure comprising, preferably bidirectional, barrier properties against oxygen and/or water vapor/moisture. As visible in Figure 7 and similarly as in Figure 6B, two types of information are laser engraved on the container body 2 of the pod 7: the Nespresso® logo, represented through laser marking of its negative imprint, and the type of coffee "RISTRETTO" in bold and cap letters. However, additional information may be laser marked on the pod if necessary and moreover different type of writing, like bold, italic or caps may be used allowing for full selection of differentiation elements to be engraved on the pod.

In the end, the consumer can easily choose and pick up the selected pod (selected thanks to the marked pattern) from a plurality of pods (with different marked patterns).

As understood from the above disclosure, the manufacturing process of the container (capsule or pod) comprises, in addition to the shaping or forming of the container body, the filling the container body with the food and/or beverage ingredient and the closing the container body with the closing member, the step of surface laser marking of a pattern on the external surface of the container body and/or closing member of the container.

The laser used for the surface marking of the pattern is a CO2 laser working in the infrared spectrum using an optical power comprised between 0.1 and 40 W at a marking speed of the laser comprised between 900 mm/s and 20000 mm/s.

During the surface laser marking step, the cellulose fibers which are marked with the laser undergo a puffing effect with an increase of the external diameter and are then after in relief compared to the cellulose fibers outside of the marked pattern. This puffing effect, which cannot be considered as a carbonization, generates a whitening of the cellulose fibers.

In the end, the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern are of a whiter color than the cellulose fibers located outside of the marked pattern as particular visible in Figures 4A, 6B and 7 enabling to distinguish containers with the marked elements (logo, information, code ...).

As mentioned, the described surface laser engraving process may be applied to a wide range of cellulose-based packaging material, including, as presented in the abovedescribed figures wet pulp molded containers. Other cellulose based material like for example, calendared paper or dry pulp molded or formed elements.

By adjusting the laser parameters and ranges, such as the pulse duration, energy density or intensity, marking speed and beam width, the invention allows for precise control over the depth and width of the laser marking and writing. Hence, in addition to the information to be laser engraved on the product, different levels of "white" colors may be obtained along with different type of writing (bold, caps, italic ...) ensuring an important diversity in the differentiation of the proposed capsules and pods. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the capsules described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention covered by the appended claims.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, example or claims prevent such a combination, the features of the foregoing embodiments and examples, and of the following claims may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of the example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of the claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment", "according to an embodiment" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an', 'one' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment.

The foregoing description of one or more implementations provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of various implementations of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A compostable food and/or beverage container (1) comprising cellulose- based material comprising cellulose fibers, for containing a food and/or beverage ingredient (7) for use with a beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff thereof, the container (1) comprising a container body (2) forming a storage portion (4) to host the food and/or beverage ingredient (7) and a closing member (6) for closing the storage portion (4) of the body (2), said container body (2) comprising an outwardly extending rim portion (5) for the closing member (6) to seal thereon, wherein the body (2) and/or the closing member (6) comprises a laser marked pattern (11) on its external surface facing away from the storage portion (4), said marked pattern (11) comprising, on its surface, cellulose fibers having an external diameter at least 5% larger than the external diameter of the cellulose fibers of the container body (2) and/or of the closing member (6) located outside of the marked pattern (11).

2. The compostable food and/or beverage container of claim 1, wherein the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) of the container body (2) and/or of the closing member (6) having the enlarged external diameter, are extending from the external surface of the container body (2) and/or of the closing member (6) over a thickness comprised between 1 micron and 40 microns.

3. The compostable food and/or beverage container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) have a different light diffraction than the one of the cellulose fibers outside of the marked pattern (11).

4. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) that are laser marked are of a different color than the cellulose fibers located outside of the marked pattern (11).

5. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) are of a whiter color than the cellulose fibers located outside of the marked pattern (11).

6. The compostable food and/or beverage container according to claim 5, wherein the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) are void of carbonized cellulose fibers.

7. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the cellulose-based material is a plant-based fiber material comprising woold and/or non-wood fiber material that is optionally bleached.

8. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the cellulose-based material is selected within the list of paper, calendared paper, parchment paper, cardboard, molded-pulp, or combination thereof.

9. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the marked pattern (11) forms a differentiating sign selected within the group of a logo, a brand range, a product name, a trademark, a coded information, and combination thereof, or a weakened zone.

10. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims wherein the body (2) and/or the closing member (6) comprises on its side facing the storage portion (4) a coating and/or a multilayer liner (9) material, comprising gas and/or water vapor or moisture barrier function.

11. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims wherein the food and/or beverage ingredients (7) is a beverage ingredient, preferably roast and ground coffee.

12. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of the preceding claims wherein the closing member is a closing membrane (6a) thereby forming a capsule (C) when the closing membrane (6a) is assembled onto the rim portion (5) of the container body (2).

13. The compostable food and/or beverage container of anyone of claims 1 to 11, wherein the closing member (6) is a container body (2, 6b) thereby forming a pod (P) when the closing member (2, 6b) is assembled on the first container body (2).

14. Method of manufacturing of a cellulose-based, biodegradable and/or compostable, food and/or beverage container according to any of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: a. shaping or forming a container body (2); b. filling the container body (2) with a food and/or beverage ingredient (7); c. closing the container body (2) with a closing member (6); wherein the method further comprises a step of surface laser marking of a pattern (11) with a CO2 laser working in the infrared spectrum using an optical power comprised between 0.1 and 40 W, and wherein the laser marked cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) are of a whiter color than the cellulose fibers located outside of the marked pattern (11).

15. Method of manufacturing of a compostable food and/or beverage container according to claim 14, wherein the marking speed of the laser is comprised between 900 mm/s and 20000 mm/s and the frequency of the laser is between 10k Hz and 90 kHz.

16. Method of manufacturing of a compostable food and/or beverage container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein during the laser marking step, the cellulose fibers of the marked pattern (11) have undergone a puffing effect without carbonization of the cellulose fibers.

17. Use of a compostable food and/or beverage container according to claims 1 to 13, for the preparation of a beverage and/or foodstuff in a beverage preparation machine.