FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
Complete Specification

(See section 10 and rule 13)
High Barrier Thermoforming Film with Embedded Embossed Images

ACG Pharmapack Private Limited
Dalamal House, 10th Floor, "Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021, Maharashtra, India. An Indian company registered under the Companies Act, 1956
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

High Barrier Thermoforming Film with Embedded Embossed Images
Field of invention:
The present invention is related to the films that are used for packaging purpose. More particularly the present invention relates to thermo-formable films with embossed images.
Background of invention:
Metalized sheets or films for thermoformed trays consisting of a layer of thermoplastic sheet or film metalized by vacuum process are well-known. Metalized plastic articles may be prepared by applying metal to plastic material by vacuum deposition, electrolytic deposition, foil lamination or similar metalizing techniques. Such articles are widely employed for decorative purposes, particularly the metalized films which are quite flexible and can be shaped to some extent to conform to various contours.
Major players in almost all pharmaceutics related industries face significant problems because of spurious drugs that not only eat away their market but also become harmful towards their functionality. In fact, these problems are faced by many other industries. In this regard, hologram and holographic films used for packaging have offered an important solution. Holograms not only added aesthetic

value to a typical packaging, but more importantly, provided an effective anti-counterfeit tool.
Industries that use thermoformed blister packaging rely on materials which are not only ductile, so that blisters can be formed with ease, but many of them need materials which are also resistant to vapors and gases throughout the shelf life. Techniques of forming multilayer films are known, however, achieving cost efficiency and also high barrier to moisture and gases remains an ongoing challenge for the pharmaceutical industry.
It is also possible that simply putting together two layers of metalized and embedded embossed PVC (say, 250 microns) will provide water vapour barrier properties that are more enhanced than those of a single layer. However, such composites lack the necessary intra-layer bond strength necessary to achieve integrity between its layers. This is because it is not possible to achieve the sufficient interlayer bond strength between metal layers/embedded images embossed on metal layer or even metal to PVC when you want to add one more polymeric layer through lamination process. Such a composite would also be quite heavy, relatively difficult to handle and very expensive.

If polypropylene (PP) alone were to be used for the purpose of making the film, the currently used machinery for manufacturing thermoformed blisters would need to be modified, which, although possible, is not a practical solution.
There is therefore a need to provide an inexpensive film for making thermoformed packaging articles suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries, which will provide high vapour barrier over the shelf life of the product and also provide an anti-counterfeit solution.
With regards the embossed imaging technologies, there are at present two technologies available. One is in which embossed images are transferred to a substrate and another one is where there is direct embedding of embossed images on a substrate.
In the case of 'transfer' technology, the base layer or the substrate comprises a PET layer which is coated by an adhesive and a soft coating layer. A metallization layer (typically aluminium) is applied to the soft coating layer. A further layer of adhesive which is heat/pressure sensitive is applied to the metallized layer. This entire layer forms a base layer for embossed embedded film onto which embossing is transferred with the help of a shim that is made up of nickel. The release layer or the transfer layer is the part of the base layer except the PET

stratum. Embossed embedded image side is then laminated to PVC and cured for at least 48 hours. The release layer is then peeled off the PVC substrate. The release layer thus acts as a carrier of the embossed image. The release layer is disposed of once the embossed image is transferred to and embedded onto the PVC substrate.
In the direct embossing technology, a release layer is not required. Instead, the image to be embossed is embedded directly onto the substrate such as PET or PVC or indeed any other surface suitable for embedding embossed images directly. In the direct technology, a primer is required (refer to Indian patent application number 1318/MUM/2008); in fact selecting a right primer is key to success of direct technology.
In summary, embossed images are embedded on transfer film which is already processed to withstand the embossing process and then it gets transferred on PVC and hence this process is known as transfer process. In case of direct embossing the base film is coated with suitable coating and subjected to metallization over which the embedding of embossed images is carried out.
It would be advantageous if the embossing can be done without having to use a coating prior to metallization to hold embedded images properly. Advantages of

such process would be that one doesn't need a coating layer for retaining embossed images and the composite of PVC/ embossed embedded images PP provides excellent barrier against moisture versus PVC with embossed embedded images.
Object of the invention:
Accordingly one of the objects of the invention is to provide a film for making thermoformed packaging articles suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a film for making thermoformed packaging articles suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries which will also provide high vapour barrier over the shelf life of the product.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a film for making thermoformed packaging articles suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries which will provide high vapour barrier over the shelf life of the product and which will also providing an anti-counterfeit measure.
Definitions:
PP - Polypropylene

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
PVdC - Polyvinylidene Chloride
MVB - Moisture Vapour Barrier
EMVB - Enhanced Moisture Vapour Barrier
Summary of the invention:
The present invention discloses a thermo-formable film which has embossed images embedded using direct embossing technology by which embossing is embedded directly onto a substrate of the film. The present invention provides a cost-efficient and anticouterfeit film with an adequately high barrier to moisture, vapours and gases, for use in food and pharmaceutical industry. The base layer of the film is typically made of PVC of grade suitable for given applications. The base layer is coated with a moisture and vapor barrier (MVB) layer or an enhanced moisture and vapour barrier (EMVB) layer which is provided in various forms such as PVdC or enhanced barrier PVdC. Further, a lamination is typically provided in the form of metallised polypropylene (PP) which has embedded embossed images. The lamination may be provided using dry or wet lamination process. Lacquor may be added in the case of dry lamination provided, and which may contain colour pigment.
List of Figures:
Figure A shows an existing multilayer film with embedded embossed images

Figure 1 shows a film of the invention comprising PVC/primer/ PVdC/adhesive/ metalized PP having embedded images embossed.
Figure 2 shows a film of the invention comprising PVC/adhesive/metalized PP having embedded images embossed.
Figure 3 shows a film of the invention comprising PVC/primer/enhanced barrier PVdC/adhesive/metalized PP having embedded images embossed.
Figure 4 shows a film of the invention comprising PVC/primer/ enhanced barrier PVdC/ adhesive/metalized PP having embedded images embossed/colour pigmented lacquer.
Figure 5 shows a film of the invention comprising colour pigmented PVC/primer/PVdC/adhesive/metalized PP having embedded images embossed.
Figure 6 shows a film of the invention comprising colour pigmented PVC/primer/enhanced barrier PVdC/adhesive/metalized PP having or embedded images embossed.

Figure 7 shows a film of the invention comprising colour pigmented PVC/adhesive/metalized PP having embedded images embossed.
Figure 8 shows a film of the invention comprising PVC/adhesive/metalized PP having embedded images embossed/colour pigmented lacquer.
Figure 9 shows the thermoformed film of the invention showing embedded embossed images
Figure 10 shows the thermoformed film of the invention showing another pattern of embedded embossed images
Figure 11 shows yet another pattern of embedded embossed images
List of parts:
Base layer - 1 Lamination layer - 3
First primer - 1A Embossed images - 4
Second primer - IB Adhesive layer - 5
Coating layer - 2 lacquer - 6

Detailed description of the invention:
The present invention discloses a direct embossing technology by which embossing is embedded directly onto a substrate. The present invention provides a cost-efficient and anticouterfeit film with an adequately high barrier to moisture, vapours and gases, for use in food and pharmaceutical industry.
The film disclosed herein uses a base layer or a substrate (1) provided optionally with a coating layer (2) of moisture vapour barrier (MVB) or an enhanced moisture vapour barrier (EMVB) material and then laminated to metallised PP layer (3) which is pre-embedded with embossed images (4). A first primer (1 A) is used to join the coating layer with the base layer. It should be noted that first primer is different from the second primer (IB) used in the prior art (Figure A) between the base layer and the metallization layer
An adhesive (5) is used to join the base layer (1) with the lamination layer (3). The embedding of embossed images is carried out with the help of a nickel plate which carries embossed images and which is placed over a heated roller.
The embossed pattern is selected from a group comprising any graphic and/or textual pattern, wherein the graphic pattern is at least one selected from a group consisting of any geometrical shapes such as a diamond, square, triangle, polygon pattern; a kaleidoscopic pattern, a broken glass pattern, a rainbow pattern, a dot

pattern, a square pattern, a honey comb pattern, a floral pattern, a triangular pattern, a wavy line pattern, a star burst pattern; a circular pattern, striation pattern and an image pattern, or any other geometric pattern.
The base layer (1) is typically made of PVC of grade suitable for given applications. For application in food or pharmaceutics industry, a PVC of food or pharmaceutical grade compliant with the EC Directives and which is devoid of plasticizers is used. For other applications such as consumer durables such as batteries, toys, stationery, suitable grades are used. The thickness of the base layer ranges between 60 \im to 800 urn.
The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base layer provided with a coating layer (2) using the MVB material which is provided in various ways. In a first aspect, the MVB is provided in the form of a PVdC or enhanced barrier PVdC. The coating layer (2) in itself may be provided with a lamination (3). The lamination is typically provided in the form of metallised polypropylene (PP) with embedded embossed images.
The selection of PP is crucial to the invention. The PP is selected from the grade of PP which does not melt within the range of 80 - 140 °C. The grade of PP is selected so that it simply softens within that temperature range. This is absolutely crucial as there are many grades of PP which would simply decompose or become

liquefied in this temperature range and cannot support embedding of embossed images.
Although other thermo-formable materials such as PE have grades that soften, they soften at very low temperatures and therefore they would stick to the mould and spoil it when used in many applications. On the other hand, materials such as PET do not soften and are not suitable for thermoforming. It is to be understood that selection of right material such as PP, is not a straightforward or obvious process based on the currently available technologies.
Another crucial difference between the prior art and the present invention is that prior art technologies typically use a release layer which acts as a carrier of images (from the roller which carries nickel plate on which images are made). Images are then transferred onto the film using transfer technology. In the present invention no such release layer is required.
On the other hand, in the case of direct embedding technologies, which do not require release layers, however, they require a primer between the metalised layer and the base layer (see Figure A). The present invention differs from the currently used direct embedding technologies in that it doesn't require a primer. The

bonding between the metalised PP and the base layer is achieved through an inventive selection of the grade of PP.
In another aspect of the present invention, depending on whether moisture and vapour barrier or enhanced moisture and vapour barrier is required for a given application, the MVB or EMVB layers may not be provided. In such cases the lamination (3) is provided directly on to the base layer (1).
In still further aspects of the invention, any of the earlier mentioned films may be provided with colour lacquer (6).
One of the key advantages of the present invention over the currently available thermoformed films is now described. It is well known that enhanced barrier PVdC tends to be crystalline in nature. It is possible to thermoform this material into small blisters; however, it's also well known that its brittleness in the sheet form increases with time. Therefore if a sheet film made from enhanced barrier PVdC is not used for blister forming soon after its manufacture, it adversely affects its machinability, which consequently leads to deterioration in its thermoforming properties. The existing films made from PVdC for the purpose of thermoforming blisters suffer from this limitation.

The present invention, on the other hand, discloses a film optionally incorporating enhanced barrier PVdC materials further optionally laminated with other ductile materials such as metallised PP with embossed embedded images, and which is surprisingly found not only to improve its machinability (that is to say that its crystalline nature doesn't affect forming ability of the composite film) but also provides improved barrier properties.
The process of making this composite material is a challenging task, the details of which the present application discloses, A dry lamination process is used to adhere various layers to each other. In the case of the dry lamination process an adhesive (5) is used as glue between the base layer and any other layer.
As shown in Figure 1, the base layer (1) made of PVC is provided (with the help of an adhesive (5)) with a coating (2) of PVdC is then laminated with metallised PP with embedded images embossed.
As shown in Figure 2, which shows the product of the invention obtained by a dry lamination process, the base layer (1) is made from polyvinylchloride (PVC). There is no coating (2). With the help of an adhesive (5), a lamination (3) is provided in the form of metallised PP with embedded images embossed.

As shown in Figure 3, as a further embodiment, the base layer (1) of PVC is provided (with the help of an adhesive layer (5)) with a coating (1A) that is in the form of a coating layer (2) made using MVB material in the form of enhanced barrier PVdC, which in turn is provided with a lamination selected from a group comprising, metallised PP with embedded images embossed or any combination thereof
As shown in Figure 4, the base layer (1) is provided, with the help of an adhesive (5), with a coating (2) of enhanced barrier PVdC which is then laminated with metallised PP having embedded images embossed and then coated with colour lacquers.
As shown in Figure 5, the base PVC with colour pigment embedded in it is laminated with metallised PP having embedded images embossed.

In Figure 6 colour embedded base PVC film is coated with enhanced barrier PVdC and then laminated to metalized PP having embedded images embossed.
Figure 7 shows the colour embedded base PVC laminated to metallised PP having embedded images embossed on it.
As shown in Figure 8, the base layer (1) is provided, with the help of an adhesive (5), is laminated with metallised PP having embedded images embossed and then coated with colour lacquers
PVdC (standard or enhanced barrier grades) used in the present invention is typically between 1 gsm to 120 gsm weight.
With regards the lamination, the lamination thickness is between 50 to 400 µm. As mentioned earlier the lamination is with metallised PP having embedded images embossed in it, Base PVC selected here is pharmaceutical grade and void of plasticizers having thickness ranging between 100 to 800 µm.
The thickness of the composite film of the present invention is in a range of 110 urn to 1200 µm.

Based on various combinations of the base fayer and the EMVB layer and whether a primer layer is used the film of the present invention has various possible combinations of layers. Some of these are listed below:
1 • Base PVC / primer/ PVdC (1 to 120 gsm) / adhesive / metalized PP having or embedded images embossed.
2. Base PVC / adhesive / metalized PP having or embedded images embossed.
3. Base PVC / primer/ enhanced barrier PVdC (1 to 120 gsm) / adhesive / metalized PP having or embedded images embossed.
4. Base PVC / primer/ enhanced barrier PVdC (1 to 120 gsm) / adhesive / metalized PP having or embedded images embossed/ colour lacquer.
5. Base colour embedded PVC / primer/ PVdC (1 to 120 gsm) / adhesive / metalized PP having or embedded images embossed.
6. Base colour embedded PVC/primer/ enhanced barrier PVdC (1 to 120 gsm)/ adhesive/ metalized PP having or embedded images embossed.
7. Base colour embedded PVC/ adhesive/ metalized pp having or embedded images embossed.
8. Base PVC/ adhesive/ metalized PP having or embedded images embossed/colour lacquer.
The process of making the film of the first embodiment is now disclosed. The process of making the film of the present invention comprises the steps of

lamination, lacquering, and barrier layer coating. Lamination may be using a dry lamination process or an innovative inline lamination process.
Typically, the process for preparation of a multilayer thermo-formable packaging film in accordance with this invention includes the step of applying a lacquer coat either on the substrate or on the coat or over the metallized layer.
Typically, the process for preparation of a multilayer formable packaging film in accordance with this invention includes a step of forming the substrate by laminating at least two films together by solvent based adhesive lamination technique, thermal bonding or co extrusion and dry adhesion.
Typically, the process for preparation of a multilayer formable packaging film in accordance with this invention includes the step of laminating the base either before or after the embossing step.
Lamination
Lamination to the substrate or the base layer of the invention is provided using a dry lamination process. This process is well known to a person skilled in the art, however, it has been incorporated here for making this document self contained.

As shown in Figure 2, base PVC gets unwound from the unwinder and passes through the tray that contains water based adhesive known to persons skilled in the art which is applied to the web. The doctoring process ensures the uniform coating of the adhesive with the help of doctor blade on PVC. Gravure roller is designed in such way that it picks up the required amount of adhesive and deposited over the web. The viscosity of the adhesive is maintained and monitored throughout the process by adjusting temperature suitably. The deposited adhesive then travels through a specially designed tunnel-type oven with specific temperature zones and to provide a traveling path of approximately 10-12 m. The temperature in the oven is maintained in the range of 70 to 95°C to dry out the adhesive when it comes out of the tunnel. The metalized PP film having embedded images embossed comes in contact with this web and both the films travel through nip roller whereby the two layers are stuck together under the action of the pressure. The composite layer thus formed passes over the drum that is equipped with chilled water circulation to help cool down the laminate. The controlled cooling also eliminated the cross linking of adhesive ensuring a good bonding between two layers of the laminate.
Lacquering (optional in case of dry lamination)
The dry lamination machine is used for lacquering the film. This lacquer can be with pigment or without pigment. Wherein the substrate comes to on gravure

roller through unwinder and then gravure roller pick up the lacquer from the tray and deposits it on substrate. The doctoring technique is applied prior to deposition in order to ensure uniform deposition. The lacquered substrate travels through a controlled heating tunnel with a passage length of 10m where it's dried.
Barrier layer coating
Water based barrier polymer is used for coating the PVC base substrate. PVC film is unwound and subjected to a corona treatment. Next, it is coated with a primer in first station using gravure deposition technology that enhances the surface tension of substrate. The substrate that has been coated with a primer travels through a heating zone where the temperature is maintained to dry it completely. Dried primer-coated substrate is then deposited with a barrier-emulsified polymer such as PVDC and/or enhanced barrier PVDC. The polymer deposition is carried out using the gravure technique with the help of either doctor blade or air knife to ensure accurate deposition of the barrier polymer.
The film then made goes for lamination with desired polymeric layer such as the r metalized PP having embedded images embossed forms of these or any combination thereof.

The film made out of this process gives excellent barrier properties that last through the shelf life a typical pharmaceutical product. The film also lends itself well to thermoforming blisters without having to make any alterations to the existing thermoform blister machines.
Barrier values for various combinations measured on Mocon (Permatran -3/33)
In accordance with this invention there is also provided a process for preparation of a multilayer formable packaging film made from a base layer which is laminated with a metalized PP layer and which has embossed images embedded in the lamination. The process comprises the steps of:
Providing a base layer made of PVC of grade suitable for given applications.
• Optionally coating the base layer with a moisture and vapor barrier (MVB)
layer or an enhanced moisture and vapour barrier (EMVB) layer which is . provided in various forms such as PVdC or enhanced barrier PVdC.
Laminating the base layer treated with the MVB or EMVB layer with a metallised PP layer. The PP layer is softened to a suitable temperature such that it allows direct embedding of embossed images without the use of a primer.

The invention shall now be illustrated with the help of a number of examples.
Example 1
In this example, a film embedded with embossed images has been made using currently available technologies.
A 250 urn pharmaceutical grade PVC film roll devoid of plasticizer having 600 mm width was subjected to an unwinder of a gravure coating machine. Ester -acrylic based primer having viscosity of 26 to 32 sec. was applied using the gravure roller to the PVC film and extra primer was removed by doctoring process. Deposition of this primer had a thickness of 0.8 microns. Then this film was allowed to travel through on-line ovens via a conveyer. The oven temperature was set at a temperature of 75° C and the speed of 30 m/min for drying the primer on the film. The drying of the primer on the film was confirmed by non-tackiness and by non-blocking of rewinding at the rewinder roller.
The two layer film formed above was then transferred to a vacuum deposition machine. This machine had an in situ plasma device and was fitted with an evaporation boat in which material that to be deposited was placed. The primer coated surface of the laminated film was first treated with plasma and thereafter was deposited with aluminum metal having 99.99% purity. Thickness of this

deposited layer was 0.001 microns. The thickness was achieved by adjusting the speed, height of the gun and the vacuum level.
This three layer film was exposed to a differential embossing grating process. A custom built machine was used for the embossing process. The three layered film was placed on an unwinder of this custom made machine, the film then was passed through the roller having temperature of 130 to 150° C by which the film was softened. A diamond pattern shim was pressed on the metallized side of the film to create a diffraction grating embossed effect on the film. The shim made for the above purpose was cut with a diamond pattern by using computerized laser cutting mechanism.
Blisters packs were formed from this laminate by thermoforming process which showed excellent thermoforming performance and showed the fine diamond holographic pattern even after the thermoforming process.
Specification of the film was as follows:
Total thickness 250 micron
Adhesion of embossed pattern with scotch tape test: passes
Thermoforming performance Excellent

Impact strength 953 g
Tensile strength - Longitudinal 511 kg/cm
-Transverse 488 Kg/cm2
Elongation - Longitudinal 5%
Transverse 4.8%
WVTR 2.8 g/m2/day
Example 2
This example provides a laminated film made using existing technologies, however, without embedded images. The example illustrates how a primer layer is required between the PVC base layer and the laminated layer of PVdC or enhanced barrier PVdC.
A rigid PVC of 250 u.m thickness that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms and which is suited for use in pharmaceutical and food application was passed through corona treator which enhances the surface polarity of substrate. Then this treated film was passed through tray containing a primer. Excess primer applied on treated substrate was wiped off either through doctor blade or air blow to ensure uniform primer coating of 1 to 2 gsm was retained as per requirement. This coated film was passed through hot air oven where it experienced temperature of 80 to 90 °C. This ensured evaporation of the solvent. The substrate thus prepared, with a

primer, showed affinity towards PVdC. The substrate was then passed through different station where PVdC was applied on substrate through same gravure coating technique, curing/ solvent evaporation happens same as that of the primer coating, every station has got capability of applying 10 gsm uniform coat of PVdC. Different samples with various thicknesses of PVdC (40, 60, 90 and 120 gsm of PVdC) were prepared and their properties measured.

TD-(l)
Tensile Strength MD > 518 kg/cm2
WVTR (38° C and 98 % Rh) 0.65 g/m2/day
3.
Construction 250 µrn PVC / 90 gsm PVdC
GSM 430 g/m2
Thickness 305 µrn
Dimensional stability MD - (-3)
TD-(l)
Tensile Strength MD > 518 kg/cm2
WVTR (38° C and 98 % Rh) 0.4 g/m2/day
4.
Construction 250 µrn PVC / 120 gsm PVdC
GSM 460 g/m2
Thickness 323 µrn
Dimensional stability MD - (-3)
TD-(l)
Tensile Strength MD > 518 kg/cm2

WVTR (38° C and 98 % Rh) 0.3 g/m2/day
The following examples demonstrate how the thermo-formable film of the present invention is made without the use of a primer between the base layer and the laminated layer (which receives embossed images) and thermoformed.
Example 3
Rigid PVC of 200 um that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application was treated with corona to achieve better wettability and then passed through a tray containing water based adhesive. The adhesive constitutes any one of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhanced interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.

Aluminum metalised PP of 60 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with square pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 jam PVC /50 urn Aluminum metallised PP with
embossed embedded images out side
GSM 317 g/m2
Thickness 250 urn
Dimensional stability MD - (-1)

TD-(O)
Tensile Strength MD - 532 kg/cm2
TD - 507 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD - 64
TD- 49
WVTR 0.58 g/m2/day
Example 4
Rigid ?VC of 200 ixm thickness that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited with use in pharmaceutical and food application having green pigment embedded in it, hence appears as green PVC film is passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder then dipped into tray that contains above adhesive, cylinder rotates and picked up adhesive from tray excess adhesive is then wiped out with the help of doctor blade, which ensures the uniform adhesive coating, required gsm is then get applied on the substrate which is being pressed by rubber

roller over gravure cylinder. Then this substrate travels through oven having traveling path of 12 m, allows water to get evaporates since the temperature of the oven is being maintained as 85 to 95 degree centigrade.
Aluminum metallised PP having thickness of 60 µm with embossed embedded images with preselected graphics and text pattern unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side is other side of adhesion and come in contact with base PVC substrate, which is coming out from oven, both films nipped and adhesion takes place once the two layer film travels over chilled roller. To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping and the temperature of this steel roller is maintained in the range of 80 to 95 degree Centigrade.
Laminate made out of this process is then subject to various testing after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 µrn green PVC / 50 µm Aluminum Metallised
PP with embossed embedded images side out
GSM 317 g/m2
Thickness 250 urn
Dimensional stability MD - (-1)

TD-(0)
Tensile Strength MD - 532 kg/cm2
TD - 507 kg/cm2
% Elongation . MD - 64
TD- 49
WVTR 0.62 g/m2/day
Example 5
50 urn Aluminum metallised PP with embossed embedded images as per prior art example subject to rotogravure printing and water base as well as solvent based roto-gravure inks were used and these inks in various shades applied on embossed embedded images of this film.
Rigid PVC of 200 µm that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is treated with corona to achieve better wettability and then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.

Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metalised PP of 50 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with dot pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.

Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 urn PVC /50 urn Aluminum metallised PP with
embossed images were embedded on the outside surface. Colour lacquer was used.
GSM 317 g/m2
Thickness 250,µrn
Dimensional stability MD - (-1)
TD-(O)
Tensile Strength MD - 532 kg/cm2
TD- 507 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD - 64
TD - 49
WVTR 0.62 g/m2/day
Example 6
Rigid PVC of 200 µm thickness that complies with £1 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 40 gsm of PVdC as per process described in example 2 and then passed through corona

treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metalised PP of 50 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with diamond pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.

To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned
below.
Construction 200µrn PVC / 40 gsm PVdC/50 µrn Aluminum
metallised PP with embedded images side out
GSM 373 g/m2
Thickness 273 µm
Dimensional stability MD - (-1)
TD-(O)
Tensile Strength MD - 532 kg/cm2
TD- 507 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD - 64
TD - 49
WVTR 0.67 g/m2/day

Example 7
Rigid PVC of 200 urn that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 60 gsm of PVdC as per process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metal ised PP of 60 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with text and rainbow pattern was then unwinded.from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was

coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 µm PVC / 60 gsm PVdC/60 urn Aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images side
out
GSM 379 g/m2
Thickness 300 µm
Dimensional stability MD - (-2)
TD - (0)
Tensile Strength MD - 506 kg/cm2
TD- 471 kg/cm2

% Elongation MD - 78
TD-71
WVTR 0.49 g/m2/day
Example 8
Rigid PVC of 200 µm that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 90 gsm of PVdC as per process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.

Aluminum metalised PP of 50 urn thickness and with embossed embedded images with broken glass pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 urn PVC / 90 gsm PVdC/50 urn Aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images side out
GSM 418 g/m2
Thickness 318 µrn
Dimensional stability MD - (-1)

TD-(l)
Tensile Strength- MD - 510 kg/cm2
TD- 451 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD-51
TD- 48
WVTR 0.38 g/m2/day
Example 9
Rigid PVC of 200 µm that complies with 21 CFR and FDA noms suited to use the pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 90 gsm of PVdC as per process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers Cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being

pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metalised PP of 50 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with honey comb patternwas then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.

Construction 200 urn PVC /120 gsm PVdC/ 50 µrn Aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images side
out
GSM 448 g/m2
Thickness 335 µm
Dimensional stability MD - (-1)
TD-(O)
Tensile Strength MD - 500 kg/cm2
TD - 472 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD-45
TD- 38
WVTR 0.26 g/m2/day
Example 10
Rigid PVC of 200 urn that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 40 gsm of PVdC as per the process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate

catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure. cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metalised PP of 50 µ.m thickness and with embossed embedded images with triangular pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.

Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 jam PVC / 40 gsm PVdC/50 \xm Aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images
GSM 370 g/m2
Thickness 277 um
Dimensional stability MD - (-3)
TD-(l)
Tensile Strength MD - 518 kg/cm2
TD - 496 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD-81
TD-75
WVTR 0.416 g/m2/day
OTR 0.9& cc/m7day
Example 11
Rigid PVC of 200 µm that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 60 gsm of PVdC as per the process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance

polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metalised PP of 50 urn thickness and with embossed embedded images with wavy line pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.

To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 urn PVC / 60 gsm PVdC/50 um aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images out
side
GSM 375 g/m2
Thickness 289 µm
Dimensional stability MD - (-3)
TD-(l)
Tensile Strength MD -482 kg/cm2
TD- 471 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD - 84
TD-71
WVTR 0.319 g/m2/day
OTR 0.74 cc/m2/day

Example 12
Rigid PVC of 200 µm that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 90 gsm of PVdC as per the process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.
Aluminum metalised ?P of 50 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with circular pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out

from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200 µm PVC / 90 gsm PVdC/50 µm aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images out
GSM 421 g/m2
Thickness 308 µm
Dimensional stability MD - (-4)
TD-(l)
Tensile Strength MD - 496 kg/cm2
TD- 471 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD - 70

TD-75
WVTR 0.291 g/m2/day
OTR 0.48 cc/m2/day
Example 13
Rigid PVC of 200 µm that complies with 21 CFR and FDA norms suited to use in pharmaceutical and food application is coated with 120 gsm of PVdC as per the process described in example 2 and then passed through corona treator to enhance polar group formation over the surface of the film that results in better wet ability. This film then passed through a tray containing water base adhesive, this adhesive is content of acrylates, polyurethane, and inomers cross linked with Isocyanate catalyst with heat or without cross linkers. This provides enhance interlayer bond strength between layers.
Engrave gravure cylinder was then dipped into a tray that contained above adhesive, cylinder was rotated and which picked up the adhesive from the tray. Excess adhesive was wiped out with the help of doctor blade to ensure its uniform coating. Adhesive of a required gsm was applied on the substrate which was being pressed by a rubber roller over gravure cylinder. The substrate thus treated was passed through an oven (maintained as 85 to 95 °C) at a traveling path of 12 m, to allow water to evaporate.

Aluminum metalised PP of 50 µm thickness and with embossed embedded images with floral pattern was then unwinded from the unwinder where metallization side came in contact with the base PVC/PVdC substrate, which was coming out from oven. Both films (the substrate or the base film and the metalised PP) nipped and adhesion took place (without the presence of a primer) once the two layer film traveled over a chilled roller.
To get the proper jellification of the adhesive one hot roller is provided over substrate at the time of nipping. The temperature of this steel roller was maintained in the range of 80 to 95 °C.
Laminate thus made using the process described here was then subject to various tests after proper curing period. Test results for this laminate is as mentioned below.
Construction 200µm PVC /120 gsm PVdC/ 50 urn aluminum
metallised PP with embossed embedded images out
GSM 445 g/m2
Thickness 326 µm
Dimensional stability MD - (-3)
TD-(l)

Tensile Strength MD - 493 kg/cm2
TD- 478 kg/cm2
% Elongation MD - 69
TD- 57
WVTR 0.17g/m2/day
OTR 0.18cc/m2/day
No peeling or separation of the metalised film and the base layer was observed during any of the tests.
It is thus evident from the foregoing description sand the examples that the thermo-formable laminated film of the present invention maintain the integrity of its component layers and withstands the standard strength and moisture and vapour barrier tests adequately. It is also evident that the elimination of the primer layer between the metalised layer and the base layer does not affect its performance in these aspects as compared with the films made using the primer.
It is evident from Figures 9-11 that the thermoformed film of the invention bearing embedded embossed images provided a very viable solution to the problem of fake goods.

The advantages provided by the film of are evident from the foregoing description and examples. These are summarized here:
1. The thermo-formable film of the present invention is more economical than the films currently used for similar purpose. This is because the film of the present invention doesn't require a coating layer between the base film and the metalised layer that contains embossing.
2. As the thermo-formable film does not need a release layer to embed embossed images, it provides an economic process
It is therefore evident that the present invention comprises the following embodiments.
1. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images said film comprising a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride and a top layer which is made of polymeric material which has been metalised with aluminium characterized in that said polymeric material is of a grade that softens without melting at a predetermined temperature wherein embossed images are embedded directly into the softened polymeric material, and wherein that said base layer and said top layer are attached to each other with an adhesive.
2. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images said film as disclosed in embodiment 1 wherein said base layer is optionally applied with a coating for moisture and vapour barrier before joining with said top layer.

3. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 and 2 wherein said top layer is made of polypropylene.
4. A high barrier thermoforming film as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 3 characterized in that said coating is made of polyvinylidene chloride.
5. A high barrier thermoforming film as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 4 characterized in that said coating is made of enhanced polyvinylidene chloride.
6. A high barrier thermoforming film as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 5 characterized in that said coating is made of a combination of enhanced polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinylidene chloride.
7. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 6 wherein the softening temperature for said top layer is between 80 and 150 °C.
8. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 7 wherein the thickness of the base layer ranges between 60 µm to 800 µm.
9. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 8 wherein said coating is of weight I gsm to 120 gsm.

10. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 9 wherein said top layer is of thickness 50 to 400 urn
11. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 10 wherein said film is of 80 to 1200 urn thickness.

12. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 11. wherein said film is optionally lacquered.
13. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 1 to 12, wherein said lacquer contains colour pigment.
14. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1
to 13, wherein the embossed images are made in a pattern which is selected
from a group comprising any graphic and/or textual pattern, wherein the
graphic pattern is at least one selected from a group consisting of any
geometrical shapes such as a diamond, square, triangle, polygon pattern; a
kaleidoscopic pattern, a broken glass pattern, a rainbow pattern, a dot pattern, a
square pattern, a honey comb pattern, a floral pattern, a triangular pattern, a
wavy line pattern, a star burst pattern; a circular pattern, striation pattern and an
image pattern, or any other geometric pattern.
15. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed
images comprising the steps of:
a. providing a base layer made of PVC of grade suitable for given
applications,
b. providing a top layer comprising softened a metallised PP and
embedding it with embossed images
c. laminating using an adhesive the base layer with said top layer
which is embedded with embossed images of step b.

16. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiment 15 wherein said process further comprises, after step a., the step of coating the base layer with a moisture and vapor barrier (MVB) coating layer or an enhanced moisture and vapour barrier (EMVB) coating layer which is provided in various forms such as PVdC or enhanced barrier PVdC or a combination thereof.
17. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 and 16 further comprising the step of applying a lacquer coat to the top layer on its face away from the base layer.
18. A process for making a thermo-formable Film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 17, wherein said lacquer contains colour pigment.
19. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed
images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 18 wherein the embossed images are
made in a pattern which is selected from a group comprising any graphic
and/or textual pattern, wherein the graphic pattern is at least one selected from
a group consisting of any geometrical shapes such as a diamond, square,
triangle, polygon pattern: a kaleidoscopic pattern, a broken glass pattern, a
rainbow pattern, a dot pattern, a square pattern, a honey comb pattern, a floral
pattern, a triangular pattern, a wavy line pattern, a star burst pattern; a circular
pattern, striation pattern and an image pattern, or any other geometric pattern.

20. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 19 wherein said base layer contains colour pigment.
21. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 20 wherein the softening temperature for said top layer is between 80 and 150 °C.
22. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 21 wherein the thickness of the base layer ranges between 60 urn to 800 µm.
23. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 22 wherein said coating layer is of weight 1 gsm to 120 gsm.
24. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 23 wherein said top layer is of thickness 50 to 400 µrn.
25. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in embodiments 15 to 24 wherein said film is of 80 to 1200 µm thickness.
26. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as disclosed in
embodiments 1 to 14, wherein said base layer contains colour pigment.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitation in the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. It must be realized that modifications and variations are possible based on the disclosure given above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

We claim:
1. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images said film comprising a base layer made of polyvinyl chloride and a top layer which is made of polymeric material which has been metalised with aluminium characterized in that said polymeric material is of a grade that softens without melting at a predetermined temperature wherein embossed images are embedded directly into the softened polymeric material, and wherein that said base layer and said top layer are attached to each other with an adhesive.
2. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images said film as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base layer is optionally applied with a coating for moisture and vapour barrier before joining with said top layer.
3. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 and 2 wherein said top layer is made of polypropylene.
4. A high barrier thermoforming film as claimed in claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said coating is made of polyvinylidene chloride.
5. A high barrier thermoforming film as claimed in claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said coating is made of enhanced polyvinylidene chloride.
6. A high barrier thermoforming film as claimed in claims 1 to 5 characterized in that said coating is made of a combination of enhanced polyvinylidene chloride and polyvinylidene chloride.

7. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 6 wherein the softening temperature for said top layer is between 80 and 150 °C.
8. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 7 wherein the thickness of the base layer ranges between 60 µm to 800 urn.
9. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 8 wherein said coating is of weight 1 gsm to 120 gsm.

10. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 9 wherein said top layer is of thickness 50 to 400 urn.
11. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 10 wherein said film is of 80 to 1200 µm thickness.
12. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 11, wherein said film is optionally lacquered.
13. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 12, wherein said lacquer contains colour pigment.
14. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1 to 13, wherein the embossed images are made in a pattern which is selected from a group comprising any graphic and/or textual pattern, wherein the graphic pattern is at least one selected from a group consisting of any geometrical shapes such as a diamond, square, triangle, polygon pattern; a kaleidoscopic pattern, a broken glass pattern, a rainbow pattern, a dot pattern, a

square pattern, a honey comb pattern, a floral pattern, a triangular pattern, a wavy line pattern, a star burst pattern; a circular pattern, striation pattern and an image pattern, or any other geometric pattern.
15. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed
images comprising the steps of:
a. providing a base layer made of PVC of grade suitable for given
applications,
b. providing a top layer comprising softened a metallised PP and
embedding it with embossed images
c. laminating using an adhesive the base layer with said top layer
which is embedded with embossed images of step b.
16. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claim 15 wherein said process further comprises, after step a., the step of coating the base layer with a moisture and vapor barrier (MVB) coating layer or an enhanced moisture and vapour barrier (EMVB) coating layer which is provided in various forms such as PVdC or enhanced barrier PVdC or a combination thereof.
17. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 and 16 further comprising the step of applying a lacquer coat to the top layer on its face away from the base layer.

18. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed
images as claimed in claim 16, wherein said lacquer contains colour pigment.
19. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed
images as claimed in claims 15 to 18 wherein the embossed images are made in
a pattern which is selected from a group comprising any graphic and/or textual
pattern, wherein the graphic pattern is at least one selected from a group
consisting of any geometrical shapes such as a diamond, square, triangle,
polygon pattern; a kaleidoscopic pattern, a broken glass pattern, a rainbow
pattern, a dot pattern, a square pattern, a honey comb pattern, a floral pattern, a
triangular pattern, a wavy line pattern, a star burst pattern; a circular pattern,
striation pattern and an image pattern, or any other geometric pattern.
20. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 to 19 wherein said base layer contains colour pigment.
21. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 to 20 wherein the softening temperature for said top iayer is between SO and 150 °C.
22. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 to 21 wherein the thickness of the base layer ranges between 60 urn to 800 urn.

23. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 to 22 wherein said coating layer is of weight 1 gsmto 120 gsm.
24. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 to 23 wherein said top layer is of thickness 50 to 400 µm.
25. A process for making a thermo-formable film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 15 to 24 wherein said film is of 80 to 1200 µm thickness.
26. A thermoforming film for embedding embossed images as claimed in claims 1
to 14, wherein said base layer contains colour pigment.