FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a flexible laminate for packaging of edible and non-edible
products, consumables such as food products, snacks, drugs, cosmetics, toiletries and the like.
The present invention particularly relates to a flexible packaging, high barrier laminate that
avoids the use of one or more adhesive layers while providing superior oxygen and water
vapor barrier properties.
The invention also relates to an instantaneous, single step procedure for the preparation of the
laminate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Packaging of goods is a well established practice. A varietv of packaging materials ranging
from wooden boxes, wick baskets, metal containers, glass, paper, plastic, to the commonly
used polythene are available for packaging goods. The packaging material varies with the
kind of goods to be packaged, its storability and durabilitv condition, quantitv and weight,
physical and chemical properties etc. Amongst these, laminates are most commonly used for
packaging perishable products like food products, snacks, drinks, drugs and for packing
consumer products such as cosmetics toiletries and the like.
The process for the preparation of laminates varies and so do the polymers. that constitute
them. Yet. conventionally high barrier laminates are known to comprise at least three lavers
i.e. a printable outer laver. a barrier laver and a sealant laver. As the name suggests the
printable outer laver carries general information regarding the brand name, ingredients,
packaging details, expiry details and other information of goods contained. The barrier laver
blocks degrading agents like air and moisture from reaching goods contained therein. The
sealing layer helps in closing the pack instantaneouslv after filling. The constitution of
laminates, in general, revolves around these three desirable qualities. The lavers are bonded
together to form a composite layered laminate.
It is a common practice in the art to laminate seyeral polymeric materials together to provide
a composite film. Alternative!y, the core layer is coated on either one side or both side so as
to confer the barrier properties as well as other required properties such as printability
sealability etc. at times both coating and lamination are employed to achieve the desirable
properties. Bonding within layers in lamination is achieved by use of adhesiyes. It is a
common practice within the art to use solvents during the bonding and lamination processes.
However it is seen that the residual amounts of such solvents that remains entrapped within
the final laminate tends to migrate into the bulk of the packaged food product and may lead to
health and regulatory issues. Hence, the need for laminates bonded with solvent less
adhesives.
A common problem in having one single layer material is in the choice of a polymeric layers
that provide an adequate barrier as well as a sealant property to the film. It is often seen that
polymers that provide a stronger barrier against moisture and oxygen transmission are often
those, which have a higher molecular weight. However it is the low molecular weighted
polymer that seal faster and are hence preferred generally for providing an adequate hot tack
and sealability. A mix and match of the polymers is difficult to optimize and standardize
owing to an inherent combination incompatibility amongst polymers. Hitherto numerous
laminates differing in composition, choice of polymers, process for preparation, use of
adhesives, bonding technologies and application are known in the art.
Indian patent application. 811/DEL/2003. discloses a laminate film comprising an outer layer
of polymer selected from polyester polyethylene terepthalate, polypropylene terepthalate,
polyethylene naphthalate. oriented polyamide, oriented nylon, polybutylene terepthalate,
poly hydroxy benzoate. biaxially oriented polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride: a core layer
of ethylene and an inner layer composed of a polymer selected from polyethy lene, poly amide
and cast polypropylene and metallised on its inner side. As per the invention, the outer layer
and the inner layer are extrusion laminated through the core layer. The inner la.ver acts as a
barrier cum sealant layer. However it is seen that even though the polymers constituting the
inner layer i.e. poly amide and cast polypropylene provide an efficient barrier, sealing is not
achieved to perfection. Polyethylene on the other hand when used as a sealant does not
provide an efficient barrier property.
Indian patent application 691/DEL/2004 discloses a film comprising a first layer composed of
a polymer selected from biaxially oriented polypropy lene, polyethylene terepthalate and
polyethylene naphthalate. the layer optionally adapted for printing and ink anchorage; a
second layer composed of a polymer selected from low density polyethylene or
polypropylene; a third layer of a film selected from a polymer selected from polyethylene
terepthalate. biaxialK oriented polypropylene, and metallized on one side employing plasma
atmosphere: and a fourth layer composed of a composed of a composite film comprising two
or three layers and made of a polymer selected from linear low density polyethylene or low
density polyethylene. The application discloses an invention wherein the first and the third
layer are extrusion laminated with the third layer and the fourth layer is pasted onto it with an
adhesive. The adhesive so disclosed is a solvent-less adhesive. Laminates wherein layers
have been bonded with adhesives. solvent less or otherwise, inadvertently require a curing
time of 48-72 hrs.
It has often been found that an improvement in the barrier properties is obtained at the cost of
increased cost of the laminate, which makes the use and process for the manufacture of such
films commercially unviable. The process of lamination or coating that is currently followed
in the art involves multiple process steps, that increases the complexity and the time required
for the manufacture of the packaging laminate. Moreover, it has been observed that the
barrier properties of such laminated or coated composite films tends to degrade with the
passage of time or usage.
Laminates are essentially desired to be inexpensive. Yet they must qualify their basic
purpose of safeguarding the packed goods, from deterioration against moisture and
environment, effectively. Hence there is a pressing need for solvent less, adhesive less
laminate that is easier to produce, cost effective and yet provides superior barrier to oxygen
and water vapor ensuring enhanced shelf life to products packaged within. There is also a
need to provide for an improved method for its production on an industrial scale.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordinglv. one object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior
art as described above and meet other needs by providing packaging laminate that has
superior moisture and gas barrier properties to enhance the shelf life of the packaged
products.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging laminate that can be
manufactured by a single tandem extrusion process instead of the multiple process steps that
is required for the manufacture of the composite films that are presently known in the art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging laminate that does not
exhibit a significant loss of the barrier properties with the passage of time or its usage.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging laminate that avoids the
use of potentially harmful solvents that are currently used for the bonding and lamination
steps.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging laminate that has a
reduced cost of manufacture.
Further object of the present invention is to provide a packaging laminate that is
instantaneouslv prepared, is ready to use immediately upon manufacture thereof and does not
require any curing time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the broadest aspect of the invention there is prov ided a laminate comprising:
(a) at least one outer laver;
(b) at least one barrier layer;
(c) at least one bonding layer formed by bonding at least one outer layer to at least
one barrier layer; and
(d) at least one composite layer over said bonding layer.
Accordingly, to specific aspect the present invention provides a packaging laminate
comprising:
(a) an outer layer having a first and a second surface, said first surface of said outer layer
being open to the external environment, said outer layer being composed of a material
selected from poKethylene terephthalate film, polypropylene film. polyvinyl chloride film
and poKamide film, said outer layer being substantially transparent such that any information
displayed on said second surface of said outer layer is visible;
(b) a bonding layer having a first and a second surface, said first surface of said bonding
layer being in contact with the said second surface of said outer layer, said bonding layer
being composed of a material selected from a olefinic homopolymer olefinic copolymers and
combinations thereof:
(c) a barrier layer disposed adjacent to said bonding layer, said barrier layer having a first
surface and a second surface, said barrier layer being composed of a material selected from
polyethylene terephthalate film, polypropylene film, polyvinyl chloride film, poKamide film,
metallic foil, vacuum deposited metal, an inorganic oxide layer, a chemical coating and
combinations there of: and
(d) a composite layer comprising at least one bonding co-layer and at least one sealant co-
layer. said bonding and sealant co- layers being simultaneously co-extruded from a multi-
layer extruder, said bonding and sealant co-layers each having a first and second surfaces
such that the first surface of the bonding co-layer lies adjacent to said second surface of the
barrier layer, and the second surface of said bonding co-layer lies adjacent to said first surface
of sealant co-layer and the second surface of said sealant co-layer being in contact with the
packaged product, wherein said bonding co-layer comprises a material selected form a
olefinic homopolymer. olefinic co-polymers and combinations thereof, and said sealant co-
layer comprises a material selected from ethylene vinyl acetate, low density polyethylene, co-
polymers of olefins such as liner low density polyethylenes, acid co-polymers of
polyethylene. ionomers. plastomers and combinations thereof.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a process for making a
laminate, the process comprising:
(a) bonding at least one outer layer to at least one barrier layer to proyide a
bonding layer;
(b) forming at least one composite layer in situ; and
(c) depositing the at least one composite layer on the bonding layer to
provide the laminate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
Figure I designates the invention in general showing an outer layer I I. bonding layer 12.
barrier layer 13 and composite layer 14. As shown therein the surfaces 15. I 7 and 19 are the
first surfaces of the outer layer 1 1. bonding layer 12 and barrier layer 13 respectively and
the surfaces 16, 18 and 20 are the second surfaces of the outer layer I I. bonding layer 12
and barrier layer 13 respectively. Layer2l represents a chemically coated second surface of
the barrier layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The inyention has herewith been described in further details with its various embodiments,
figures and examples all of which may be considered illustrative and in no way restrictive to
the scope of the imention. In the following description, like reference characters designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several illustrations shown in the figures. It is also
understood that terms such as "top", "bottom", "outward", "inward", "characterized",
"comprising", "consisting" and the like are words of comenience and are not to be construed
as limiting terms. Moreover, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of
describing a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention and are not limit the invention
thereto.
Referring generally to Figure I. embodiments of the present invention address the needs
described above by providing a laminate and a process of making a laminate.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a laminate comprising at least one outer
laser, at least one bonding layer, at least one barrier layer, and at least one composite layer.
The composite layer max comprise at least one bonding co-layer and at least one sealant co-
lay er.
For describing the invention in greater details in a simplistic manner, each of the lasers has
been specified to constitute two surfaces, the first surface and the second surface. Unless
specified otherwise the first surface of a layer generally refers to the surface facing the
outside of a pack made from the laminate of the present invention. The second surface of a
layer faces the side, which is in direct contact with the packaged goods. Hence, as used
herein, the terms first surface and second surface generally relate to the outer and the inner
surfaces respectively of the respective layers.
As used herein the term laminate refers to a film of material formed by bonding two or more
different films or layers having different properties such that the laminated film exhibits
properties of all its constituents. A multi layer generally' refers to multiple layer of a film, the
multiple layers being provided while the film itself is being formed.
Within the context of this invention, a bond generally refers to the cohesion between different
la.vers of a laminate. A barrier is generally' used to imply the impendence provided by a
laminate or a film to the ingress or degrees of gases or fluids such as but not limited to water
vapour or oxygen through the constituent layer or layers.
Within the scope of the present invention a composite generally refers to a complex material,
in which two or more distinct, structurally complimentary substances combine to produce
structural or functional properties not present in any individual component. A sealant
generally refers to a material or layer that is capable of being sealed to itself or to any other
material or layer.
A polymer is usually understood to refer to a material comprising molecules of long chain
repetitive units. Within the scope of the present invention, the term biaxially oriented refers
to the orientation of the molecules of a sheet or film in both transverse and cross directions at
90 degrees to each other. Such orientation improves the mechanical properties of the sheet or
film in both the directions.
As used in this specification, the term transparent refers to the capability of a material to
transmit light so that objects or images may be seen through the material. The term
superimpose refers to lav ing or placing of a material on or oyer another material. The term in
situ refers to the formation of a layer or film at the place of production.
As used herein the term adhesive refers to a substance that provides and promotes the
adhesion of different layers or films, when placed between the constituent member films
Bond strength usually refers to the force required to pull apart two different laver or
materials, that have been bonded together. Seal strength refers to the force required to pull
apart two different layers or material, that have been sealed together by heat or pressure or
both.
Preflex transmission rate generally refers to the transmission rate of gases like oxvgen or
water vapor through a film or laminate before it is subjected to anv flexing. Postflex
transmission rate refers to the transmission rate of gases like oxvgen or water vapor through a
film or laminate after it is subjected to flexing. Within the scope of this specification, the
term instantaneous refers to occurrence at a specific instance.
Extrusion lamination refers to a continuous process of forming a laminate of two or more
layer by superimposing a sheet or film of molten plastic between the two lavers and pressing
the layers together before the molten plastic is solidified. The sheet or film of molten plastic
is generally. formed by forcing molten plastic through the slit of a die. As used herein the
term co-extrusion refers to the continuous process of forming a multi laver sheet or film by
forcing two or more different type of material through a single slit in a die. one above the
other. The materials being forced through the die are normally in molten state such that the
different lavers of the multi layer sheet or film are inseparable.
Tandem extrusion generally refers to a continuous process of extrusion in which one extruder
is placed behind the other. Both extruders generally extrude simultaneously normally the
second extruder deposits its extrudate on to the finished output of the first extruder. A multi-
layer extruder refers to an extruder in which a multi layer sheet or film is extruded by forcing
two or more different type of materials through a single slit in a die. one aboye the other. The
material being forced through the die is normally in molten state such that the different layers
of the multi layer sheet or film are inseparable.
Figure I illustrates a non-limiting representation of one embodiment of the current invention
that provides a packaging laminate 10 comprising at least one outer layer 11. at least one
bonding layer 12. at least one barrier layer 13 and at least one composite layer 14.
The outer layer typically comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of
polyethylene terephthalate. polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polyamide. Outer layer 11
has a first surface 15 and a second surface 16. First surface 15 of the outer layer is open to the
external environment whereas the second surface 16 of the outer layer is in contact with the
subsequent bonding layer 12. The outer layer has a thickness of about 8 microns to about 35
microns. Generally, the specific weight of the outer layer varies from about 7 g,nr to about
50 g
following the process of the instant invention. For testing the characters and qualities
associated with the laminates, the laminate of the instant invention are compared with:
(A) Conventional film -12 mic Reverse printed PET solvent based adhesive 12 mic
vacuum metallized PET/solventless adhesive/35 mic Blown PE
(B) 15 mic Reverse printed BOPP/ 12 mic extruded PE 12 mic plasma metallized
PET solventless adhesive. 25 mic Blown PE j
(C) 15 mic Reverse printed BOPP/ 12 mic extruded PE 12 mic plasma mttall'ized PET' 12
mic extruded PE 20 mic Blown PE
(D) 15 mic Reverse printed BOPP 12 mic extruded PET plasma metallized PET co- extruded
27 mic LDPE-Plastomer (laminate of instant invention)
A comparative data is stated herewith in Table I.

The present invention shall now be specifically described by way of illustrative and non-
limiting examples. It shall be understood that many variations and modifications thereto will
be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broadest scope and ambit of
the invention as set forth hereinabove. Such modifications may therefore be considered
within the scope of the instant invention.

PREPARATION OF PACKAGE USING THE LAMINATE
The laminate of the invention, which has been described in detail in the paragraphs before, is
formed into roll on a paper or plastic core yy ith it's is printed side on the out side and heat seal
able side on the inside. Such rolls of laminate is mounted on the unwind station of a vertical
form fill seal machine. The laminate is pulled around a metal fanning collar from top to
bottom such that a tube is fanned around the metal forming tube.
The width of the laminate is more then the circumference of the forming tube, hence there is
an overlap of the laminate at the point where the two edges meet. One edge is further folded
at 180 degrees such that there is an overlap between the heat sealable face of the two edges.
A vertical heat-sealing belt along the axis of the forming tube with electrical heaters comes
in contact on the overlap of laminate after the tube is manually formed initially Due to the
heat the inside sealant surface of the two edges of the laminate melt and fuse together to form
a tube of laminate. The heat-sealing belt runs along with two other rubber belts on the same
axis over the laminate on the forming tube there by pulling the laminate down over the
forming tube to form a continuous tube.
A set of two reciprocating horizontal heat sealing jaws at 90 degree to the vertical seal, below
the forming tube seals the laminate, forming the top seal of one bag andthe bottom seal of the
next bag as the tubular laminate comes down from the forming tube. A cutter blade in the
middle of the jaw width separates the top and the bottom bag.
Immediately after the horizontal seal is formed, the product to be packed is dropped through
the forming tube from a dosing station on top of the machine into the laminate tube sealed at
the bottom. In case of modified atmosphere packaging, the required gas is also tilled into the
tube as the product is getting dropped.
Once the product is filled, and the laminate tube moyes down the horizontal sealing jaws
again acts forming the top seal of the bag just filled, and simultaneous!y cutting the filled bag
from the laminate tube as well as forming the bottom seal for the next bag.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
It has been found that laminates according to the present invention provide superior barrier
leading to an enhancement of the product shelf life compared to the films conventional!y
known within the art.
Another advantage of the laminates according to the present invention is that the described
laminates are capable of being converted in a single operation of tandem extrusion coating
thereby eliminating the need for performing multiple process steps conventional!y performed
in the art. The tandem extrusion coating process reduces the complexity and the time required
for manufacturing the complete laminate film which was not possible with the hitherto
known films.
The laminates according to the present invention are capable of being conserted to a multi-
layer laminate by a single operation of tandem extrusion coating process instead of the
multiple operations as practiced in the art. which leads to substantial cost savings.
Yet another advantage of the laminates manufactured according to the described inyention is
that the end laminates avoid the use of any harmful material like solvents, conventional
adhesives etc. for the bonding and lamination processes thereby eliminating the risk of food
contamination due to migration of the harmful substances into the packaged food products.
The adjacent disposition of the low densitv polvethylene or the linear low densitv
pohethvlene to the metallized or coated surface of the barrier laver ensures reduced metal or
coating flaking or cracking in the event of twisting, folding and creasing during handling and
transportation of packages; thus improves effective barrier properties of the laminate over the
packages' usage or passage of time.
Another advantage of the laminates according to the present invention is that once
manufactured, laminates are ready to use and do not require any curing time unlike the
laminates conventionally used within the art which involve the use of conventional adhesives.
Other such variations as may be obyious to one skilled in the art may be made in material,
compositions and process described herein without departing from the essential features of
the invention and therefore must be held non restrictive to the scope of the instant invention.
The embodiments of the invention and figures specifically illustrated herein are exemplar,
onlv and may not in any way be intended as limitations in its scope.
WE CLAIM:
1. A laminate comprising:
a) at least one outer layer;
b) at least one barrier layer:
c) at least one bonding laver formed by bonding at least one outer layer to at least one
barrier layer: and
d) at least one composite layer over said bonding layer.
2. A laminate as claimed in claim I, wherein said at least one outer layer comprises at least
one poKmer selected from the group comprising poKethylene terepthalate. polypropylene,
polyamide. polyvinyl chloride and a combination thereof.
3. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said at least one outer layer is biaxialK oriented.
4. A laminate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the specific weight of said at least one outer
layer is from about 7 g/m2 to about 50 g/m2
5. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said at least one outer layer is transparent.
6. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein said at least one outer layer is printable.
7. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein said at least one barrier layer comprises at least
one polymer selected from the group comprising polyethylene terepthalate, polypropylene.
polyamide. polyyinyl chloride, metallic film, vacuum deposited metal, an inorganic oxide
layer, a chemical coating and combinations thereof.
8. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said at least one barrier layer is biaxially
oriented.
9. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein the specific weight of said barrier layer is from
about 9 g/m2 to about 70 g/m2.
10. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein said bonding layer is a superimposed layer.
11. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said bonding layer comprises at least one
polymer selected from the group comprising olefinic homopolymers. olefinic copohmers and
combinations thereof.
12. A laminate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the specific weight of said bonding laser is
from about 5 g/m2 to about 30 g/m2.
13. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said composite layer is a superimposed layer.
14. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein said composite layer comprises at least one of
the pohmers selected from the group comprising an olefinic homopolymer. an olefinic
copolymer, and combinations thereof.
15. A laminate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the specific weight of said composite layer is
from about 11 g/m2 to about 46 g/m2.
16. A laminate as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composite layer is formed in situ.
17. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein said composite layer is multi-layered.
18. A laminate as claimed in claim 17. wherein said multi-layered composite layer is co-
extruded.
19. A laminate as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composite layer comprises at least one
bonding co-layer and at least one sealant co-layer.
20. A laminate as claimed in claim 19, wherein said bonding co-layer comprises at least one
polymer selected from the group comprising olefinic homopolymers. olefinic copolymers and
combinations thereof.
21. A laminate as claimed in claim 20, wherein the specific weight of said bonding co-layer is
from about 6 g/m2 to about 30 g/m2.
22. A laminate as claimed in claim 19. wherein said sealant co-layer comprises at least one
olefinic copolymer selected from a group comprising ionomers. acid copolymers, plastomers.
ethylene y iny I acetate and combinations thereof.
23. A laminate as claimed in claim 22, wherein the specific weight of said sealant co-layer is
from about 6 g/m2 to about 40 g/m2.
24. A laminate as claimed in claim I, wherein said layers are bonded without an adhesive.
25. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein the bond strength between the barrier layer and
the composite layer is at least about 200gf/25mm.
26. A laminate as claimed in claim I. wherein said sealant layer has a seal strength of at least
about I500gf/25mm.
27. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said laminate has a water vapour transmission
rate of less than 0.3 mg/m2/24 hr under 38°C and 90% relative humidity conditions.
28. A laminate as claimed in claim 1. wherein said laminate has oxygen transmission rate of
less than I cc/m2/24hr under 23°C and 0% relative humidity conditions.
29. A package comprising the laminate of claims I to 28.
30. A process for making a laminate, the process comprising:
a. bonding at least one outer layer to at least one barrier layer to provide a bonding layer;
b. forming at least one composite layer in situ; and
c. depositing the at least one composite layer on the bonding layer to provide the laminate.
31. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein said process is a single step process.
32. A process as claimed in claim 30. wherein said process is an instantaneous process.
33. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein said outer layer and said barrier layer are
extrusion laminated through at least one bonding layer.
34. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein said bonding layer is co-eytruded with said
composite layer through at least one tandem multi-layer extruder.
35. A process as claimed in claim 30. wherein said outer layer comprises at least one polymer
selected from the group comprising polyethylene terepthalate, polypropylene, poly amide,
polyvinyl chloride and combinations thereof.
36. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the specific weight of said layer is from about
7 g/m2 to about 50 g/m2.
37. A process as claimed in claim 30 wherein said barrier layer comprises at least one
polymer selected from the group comprising polyethylene terepthalate, polypropylene,
polyamide. polyvinyl chloride, metallic film, vacuum deposited metal, an inorganic oxide
layer, a chemical coating and combinations thereof.
38. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the specific weight of said barrier layer is from
about 9 g/m2 to about 70 g/m2.
39. A process as claimed in claim 30 wherein said bonding layer comprises at least a polymer
selected from the group comprising olefinic homopolymers. olefinic copolymers and
combinations thereof.
40. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein the specific weight of said bonding layer is
from about 5 g/m2 to about 30 g/m2.
41. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein said composite layer comprises at least one
bonding co-layer and at least one sealant co-layer.
42. A process as claimed in claim 41. wherein said bonding layer comprises at least one
polymer selected from the group comprising olefinic homopolymers. olefinic copolymers and
combinations thereof.
43. A process as claimed in claim 42. wherein the specific weight of said bonding layer is
from about 6 g/m2 to about 30 g/m2.
44 A process as claimed in claim 41. wherein said sealant co-layer comprises at least one
olefinic copolymer selected from a group comprising ionomers. acid copolymers, plastomers.
ethylene vinyI acetate and combinations thereof.
45. A process as claimed in claim 44, wherein the specific weight of said sealant co-layer
layer is from about 6 g/m2 to about 40 g/m2.
46. A process as claimed in claim 30, wherein said outer layer, barrier layer and composite
layer are bonded without an adhesive.
47. A laminate substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to the examples
and accompanying drawings.
48. A process for the production of laminate substantially as herein described and illustrated
with reference to the examples.

The invention provides a laminate comprising at least one outer layer, at least one bonding
layer. at least one barrier layer and at least one composite layer. The invention also provides
a process for making the laminate. The flexible packaging, high barrier laminate avoids the
use of one or more adhesive layers while providing superior oxygen and water vapor barrier
properties.