CLIAMS:1. A packaging laminate for flexible packaging containers, comprising:
a carrier layer (10) having a first surface and a second surface;
a metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (20) forming an outermost layer disposed on said first surface of said carrier layer;
a metal foil layer (30) disposed on said second surface of said carrier layer;
at least one polyolefin layer (50) disposed between said carrier layer and said metalized PET layer;
at least one polyolefin layer (60) disposed between said carrier layer and said metal foil layer; and
at least one liquid-tight coating (40) forming an innermost layer intended to contact a product to be packagedon said metal foil layer.
2. The packaging laminate of claim 1, further comprising at least one protective coating (70) on outward facing surface of said metalized PET layer.
3. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said packaging laminate has the following construction: protective coating : metalized PET layer : polyolefin layer : carrier layer : polyolefin layer : metal foil layer : liquid-tight coating.
4. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said liquid-tight coating comprises a polyolefin.
5. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said carrier layer is a layer of paper or paperboard.
6. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said metalized PET layer is aluminized PET layer.
7. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said metal foil layer is aluminum foil layer.
8. The packaging laminate of any of claims 1 or 3 or 4, wherein said polyolefin is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyesters and copolymers thereof.
9. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said carrier layer has a thickness less than about 300 mm.
10. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said metalized PET layer has a thickness less than about 50 mm.
11. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said metal foil layer has a thickness less than about 10 mm.
12. The packaging laminate of claim 1, wherein said product is alcoholic beverage.
13. Use of packaging laminate of any of the preceding claims for production of flexible packaging containers.
14. A packaging container produced using packing laminate of claim 1.
,TagSPECI:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to technical field of packaging containers. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to flexible packing laminate intended for manufacture of packing containers with shiny metallic surface and good barrier properties essential for alcoholic beverage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Alcohol based beverages, such as whiskey, rum, vodka and the link are marketed to consumers in flexible laminate packaging containers. In order to protect the product from oxygen and eventual spoilage, the container construction usually consists of a multilayer structure comprised of several layers of plastics and aluminum foil. In addition to protective features, imparting shiny or glossy surface characteristics to the multilayer structure is desirable for alcoholic beverage containers. Alcoholic beverage manufacturers also desire to pack their products in containers provided with shiny or glossy metallic finish in order to make the product attractive and eye-catching to consumers.
[0004] Earlier attempts to impart shiny or glossy characteristics to packaging laminates intended for alcoholic beverage containers increased material consumption and consequentially increased material costs for the packaging laminate. Further, these attempts severely affected the barrier properties such as, moisture, liquid and gas barriers, essential for any alcoholic beverage containers. Further, the known packaging laminates in the art often suffer from loss of shiny or glossy characteristics when reformed into packaging containers by folding and thermosealing, and also during the shelf life of the containers. Moreover, various materials previously used in packaging are susceptible to attack by alcohol present in the beverages.
[0005] There is thus a need in the art for improved packaging laminate for flexible alcoholic beverage packaging containers that exhibits shiny or glossy metallic surface, possesses good barrier such as, liquid, moisture and/or gas barrier characteristics and is highly economic.
[0006] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a packaging laminate that exhibits shiny or glossy surface characteristics capable of being used for production of flexible alcoholic beverage packaging containers.
[0008] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a packaging laminate that exhibits excellent liquid, moisture and gas barrier properties.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a packaging laminate with shiny or glossy surface characteristics that is easy to produce and highly economic.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a packaging laminate that do not loseits shiny or glossy surface characteristicsand barrier properties when reformed into a packaging container.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a flexible alcoholic beverage packaging containers that exhibits shiny or glossy surface characteristics and good barrier properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present disclosure provides a packing laminate for flexible packaging containers that exhibits shiny or glossy surface characteristics and barrier properties essential for flexible alcoholic beverage containers.
[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a packing laminate for flexible packaging containers, comprising: a carrier layer (10) having a first surface and a second surface; a metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (20) forming an outermost layer disposed on said first surface of said carrier layer; a metal foil layer (30) disposed on said second surface of said carrier layer; at least one polyolefin layer (50) disposed between said carrier layer and said metalized PET layer; at least one polyolefin layer (60) disposed between said carrier layer and said metal foil layer; and at least one liquid-tight coating (40) forming an innermost layer intended to contact a product to be packagedon said metal foil layer.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the packing laminate of the present disclosure can further comprise at least one protective coating on outward facing surface of the metalized PET layer that forms the outermost layer of the packaging laminate.
[0015] According to another embodiment, the packaging laminate of the present disclosure can have the following construction, progressing towards a surface of the packaging laminate intended to contact a product to be packaged; protective coating : metalized PET layer : polyolefin layer : carrier layer : polyolefin layer : metal foil layer : liquid-tight coating.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 1 schematically shows a structure of packaging laminate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2 schematically shows a structure of packaging laminate with protective coating on outward facing surface of metalized PET layer (20) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0021] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0022] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0023] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0024] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0025] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0026] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
[0028] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0029] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0030] The present disclosure provides a packing laminate for flexible packaging containers that exhibits shiny or glossy surface characteristics and barrier properties essential for flexible alcoholic beverage containers.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a structure of packaging laminate in accordance with the present disclosure. The packaging laminate can include a carrier layer (10) having a first surface and a second surface; a metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (20) forming an outermost layer disposed on said first surface of said carrier layer; a metal foil layer (30) disposed on said second surface of said carrier layer; at least one polyolefin layer (50) disposed between said carrier layer and said metalized PET layer; at least one polyolefin layer (60) disposed between said carrier layer and said metal foil layer; and at least one liquid-tight coating (40) forming an innermost layer intended to contact a product to be packagedon said metal foil layer.
[0032] The carrier layer (10) can be composed of paper or paperboard. In an embodiment, the carrier layer (10) can preferably be composed of paperboard. The carrier layer (10) can have a thickness less than about 500 mm, preferably less than about 300 mm.
[0033] The metalized PET layer (20) can be a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film coated with a thin layer of metal.The metal can preferably be selected from the group consisting of aluminium, silver and gold. In a more specific embodiment, the metalized PET layer (20) can be aluminized PET layer. The metalized PET layer (20) can have a thickness less than about 50 mm, preferably less than about 25 mm.The metalized PET layer (20) can offer higher surface gloss and shiny metallic finish to the packaging laminatewhich is desirable for a flexible alcoholic beverage containers to enhance aesthetic effect. Images, such as colors, trademarks, product images and the like can be printed directly on to surface of the metalized PET layer (20).
[0034] The packaging laminate of the present disclosure can include a metal foil layer (30) which can offer gas barrier properties to the packaging laminate. In an embodiment, the metal foil layer (30) can be aluminum foil layer and can have thickness less than about 10 mm.
[0035] The packaging laminate of the present disclosure can also include one or more polyolefin layers between the carrier layer (10) and the metalized PET layer (20), and between the carrier layer (10) and the metal foil layer (30). The polyolefin layers 40 and 50 can be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyesters and copolymers thereof. In a more specific embodiment, the polyolefin layer can be composed of polyethylene (PE). The polyolefin layers 40 and 50 can have thickness less than about 30 mm, preferably less than about 25 mm.
[0036] The polyolefin layers 40 and 50 can exhibit excellent heat-sealing strength and the individual layers viz. the carrier layer (10), metalized PET layer (20) and metal foil layer (30) can be laminated to one another by heat-sealing of the polyolefin layer to yield the packaging laminate of the present disclosure with desired properties.
[0037] The metal foil layer (30) can be provided with at least one liquid-tight coating (40) on the side where a liquid product i.e. an alcoholic beverage is brought into contact. The liquid-tight coating (40) can consist of polyolefin which can be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyesters and copolymers thereof. In a more specific embodiment, the liquid-tight coating (40) can be polyethylene (PE). The liquid-tight coating (40) can have thickness less than about 80 mm, preferably less than about 50 mm.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the packing laminate of the present disclosure can include one or more protective coatings (70) on outward facing surface of the metalized PET layer (20) that forms the outermost layer of the packaging laminate. The protective coating (70) can make the packaging laminate mechanically strong and can also offer sufficient moisture and heat-resistance to withstand such extreme moisture and temperature stresses when the packaging laminate is reformed into a packaging container.
[0039] The protective coating (70) can consist of polyolefin which can be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyesters and copolymers thereof. In a more specific embodiment, the protective coating (70) can be polyethylene (PE). The protective coating (70) can have thickness less than about 30 mm, preferably less than about 20 mm.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a structure of packaging laminate with protective coating on outward facing surface of metalized PET layer (20) in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging laminate can include a carrier layer (10) having a first surface and a second surface; a metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (20) forming an outermost layer disposed on said first surface of said carrier layer; a metal foil layer (30) disposed on said second surface of said carrier layer; at least one polyolefin layer (50) disposed between said carrier layer and said metalized PET layer; at least one polyolefin layer disposed (60) between said carrier layer and said metal foil layer; at least one liquid-tight coating (40) forming an innermost layer intended to contact a product to be packagedon said metal foil layer; and a protective coating on outward facing surface of metalized PET layer (20).
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging laminate of the present disclosure can be built up of material layers having preferred thickness, and laminated to one another in the order (progressing towards a surface of packaging laminate intended to contact a product to be packaged) as shown in below Table 1.

Table 1
Layer material Thickness (mm) No. of layers
Polyethylene (PE) 14 1
Aluminized PET 23 1
Polyethylene (PE) 15 1
Paperboard 260 1
Polyethylene (PE) 20 1
Aluminum foil 6.3 1
Polyethylene (PE) 40 2

[0042] The packaging laminate of the present disclosure can be efficiently reformed into flexible alcoholic beverage packaging containers by folding and thermosealing while obviating the risk that the packaging container loses its barrier properties. Packaging containers produced using the packaging laminate of the present disclosure can exhibit excellent shiny or glossy metallic surface characteristics throughout the service life of the packaging containers. Further,the shiny or glossy metallic surface of the packaging laminate can exhibit superior printability and enable printing of colors, trademarks, product images and the like directly onto packaging laminate.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0043] The present disclosure provides a packaging laminate that can be readily reformed by fold forming into a flexible packaging container without the risk of crack formation and the risk of losing its barrier properties.
[0044] The present disclosure provides a packaging laminate that exhibits shiny or glossy surface characteristics throughout the entire service life of packaging container.
[0045] The present disclosure provides a packaging laminate that not only provides shiny metallic finish but also provides structural features such as, high puncture and thermal resistance.
[0046] The present disclosure provides a packaging laminate that possesses excellent barrier properties against liquid, moisture and gas.
[0047] The present disclosure provides a flexible alcoholic beverage packaging container made from packaging laminate of the present disclosure, wherein the packaging container is durable enough for shipping and handling.
[0048] The present disclosure provides a flexible alcoholic beverage packaging container that is eye-catching to consumers at the point of sale.