WO2017103629A1

WO2017103629A1 - A packaging for a foodstuff

Info

Publication number: WO2017103629A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053995
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emma THOMAS; Colin Kelly; Sam CHITONGO
Original assignee: Warburtons Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-17
Filing date: 2016-12-19
Publication date: 2017-06-22
Also published as: GB201522298D0; GB2545648A; GB2545648B

Abstract

A packaging for a foodstuff comprising: a first layer; a second layer; at least one further layer sandwiched between the first layer and second layer, wherein the at least one further layer comprises an aperture; and a print and/or ink layer sandwiched between the second layer and the at least one further layer; wherein the print and/or ink layer is applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture, as well as methods of manufacture, methods for packaging a foodstuff and packaged foodstuffs comprising the packaging of the invention.

Description

A PACKAGING FOR A FOODSTUFF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a packaging for a foodstuff as well as methods of manufacture, methods for packaging a foodstuff and packaged foodstuffs comprising the packaging of the invention.

BACKGROUND

Packaging is designed with the purpose of enclosing and/or protecting products for distribution, storage sale and use. In respect of packaging for a foodstuff there is an added need to provide a barrier between a foodstuff and external microbes or other exogenous agents which could spoil or taint the foodstuff. Additionally packaging for foodstuffs can also help provide shelf-life extension of the foodstuff packaged therein and may be modified in order to control the atmosphere within the packaging.

In addition to the above, packaging is typically designed to provide a packaged foodstuff with aesthetically pleasing properties desirable to consumers. One way that this may be achieved is by providing packaging having a transparent window, allowing the product to be visualised by the consumer.

Packaging (e.g. for a bread) used in the art having a transparent window is exemplified in Figure 1 . The packaging 10 is generally manufactured by a process in which there is provided a paper 14 that is printed with a scatter print design 15 prior to being coated with paraffin wax 13. A portion of the printed wax paper is then removed to form a window area 16. A separate plastic portion 1 1 is then provided and a scatter print design 15 added thereto. Typically lamination adhesive 12 is used to fix the separate printed plastic to the printed wax paper 13, 14 at the area where the portion has been removed to form a window area 16.

The methods for manufacturing packaging therefore typically involve a multi-step process with a necessity to prepare the printed wax paper and the printed plastic separately followed by fixing the printed wax paper to the printed plastic. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect the present invention provides a packaging for a foodstuff comprising:

a. a first layer;

b. a second layer;

c. at least one further layer sandwiched between the first layer and second layer, wherein the at least one further layer comprises an aperture; and

d. a print and/or ink layer sandwiched between the second layer and the at least one further layer;

wherein the print and/or ink layer is applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing a packaging for a foodstuff comprising:

a. providing a first layer;

b. fixing at least one further layer to the first layer, wherein the at least one further layer is arranged such that it comprises an aperture;

c. printing and/or applying in register a print and/or ink layer, wherein the print and/or ink layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture; and

d. providing a second layer;

wherein the first layer and the second layer form a sandwich.

In a third aspect the present invention provides a packaging for a foodstuff obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method of the invention.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method for packaging a foodstuff comprising contacting a foodstuff with the packaging of the invention, or obtainable by a method of the invention. In a fifth aspect the invention provides a packaged foodstuff comprising the packaging of the invention or the packaging obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is predicated upon the surprising finding that a packaging for a foodstuff can be manufactured which comprises a first layer, a second layer, at least one further layer sandwiched between the first layer and second layer comprising an aperture and a print and/or ink layer applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture.

In a first aspect the present invention provides a packaging for a foodstuff 20 comprising: a. a first layer 21 ;

b. a second layer 26;

c. at least one further layer 23 sandwiched between the first layer 21 and second layer 26, wherein the at least one further layer 23 comprises an aperture 24; and d. a print and/or ink layer 25 sandwiched between the second layer 26 and the at least one further layer 23;

wherein the print and/or ink layer 25 is applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer 23 and the aperture 24.

In one embodiment a first layer according to the invention may be located on the inside of a packaging for a foodstuff when in use. Suitably, the first layer may provide a barrier (e.g. a barrier to food spoilage microbes and/or other undesirable microorganisms and/or agents), optionally in combination with a second layer and/or one or more further layers.

In another embodiment a second layer according to the invention may be located on the outside of a food packaging for a foodstuff when in use. Suitably, the second layer may provide a barrier (e.g. a barrier to food spoilage microbes and/or other undesirable microorganisms and/or agents), optionally in combination with a first layer and/or one or more further layers. The at least one further layer in accordance with the invention is sandwiched between the first and second layer.

The term "sandwiched between the first and second layer" in reference to a layer of the invention means that the layer is located between the first and second layer. In one embodiment this means that the first and second layers are substantially continuous along the entire length of the layer. In no way is this meant to exclude the housing of one or more additional layers between the first and second layer.

Therefore the term "at least one further layer is sandwiched between the first and second layer" means that the at least one further layer is located between the first and second layer. In one embodiment this means that the first and second layer are substantially continuous along the entire length of the at least one further layer including the aperture of the at least one further layer. In no way is this meant to exclude the housing of one or more additional layers between the first and second layer. The term "substantially continuous" as used in this context means that the first layer and/or second layer are continuous along at least about 80%, 90% or 95% of the length of the at least one further layer including the aperture of the at least one further layer. Preferably the term "substantially continuous" means that the first layer and/or second layer are continuous along at least about 99% of the length of the at least one further layer including the aperture of the at least one further layer.

The at least one further layer comprises an aperture.

The term "aperture" as used herein can refer to amongst other things, a hole or a channel comprised within the at least one further layer. The formation of an "aperture" can be achieved using any method known to the person skilled in the art. For example, an "aperture" may be created by removing a portion of the at least one further layer to form an aperture. Additionally or alternatively, an "aperture" may be created by manufacturing the at least one further layer from two or more portions of the at least one further layer arranged on the same plane, e.g. two layers could be placed side-by-side, to form an aperture (e.g. in the form of a channel).

In one embodiment the aperture may be one or more selected from a hole or a channel. Suitably the aperture may be a hole. A hole may be a discontinuous portion of the at least one further layer extending perpendicularly to the first and/or second layer of the invention.

Suitably the aperture may be a channel. A channel may be in any plane running parallel to the first and/or second layer of the invention.

An "aperture" may be a portion of at least one further layer may be a portion of the at least one further layer that is not in contact with the one or more further constituents of the packaging of the invention. The one or more further constituent(s) may include, for example, a first layer, a second layer, a print and/or ink layer, an adhesive layer, one or more further layers or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the aperture of the at least one further layer may span the whole length of the at least one further layer in a longitudinal and/or transverse plain.

Suitably, the aperture of the at least one further layer may provide a window.

The term "window" refers to a portion of at least one further layer that has different optical properties to another portion of the at least one further layer. Suitably a window may allow visualisation of a foodstuff comprised within the packaging of the invention when in use. Therefore, a window may be transparent. A window as used herein is not limited to any particular shape. In some embodiments a window may span along the whole length of the at least one further layer in a longitudinal and/or transverse plain.

The "aperture" may make up less than about 50%, 30% or 15% of the surface area of the at least one further layer. Suitably the aperture may make up less than about 10% or 5% of the at least one further layer.

In some embodiments the term "at least one further layer" may mean at least two further layers, at least three further layers or at least four further layers. In other embodiments the term "at least one further layer" may mean between about 1 to about 10 layers, suitably between about 1 to about 5 layers.

Suitably the term "at least one further layer" may mean one layer.

The packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) at least four layers, at least five layers, at least six layers or at least seven layers.

Suitably packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) at least four layers. Suitably packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) at least five layers.

Suitably packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) at least six layers. Suitably packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) at least seven layers. Preferably the packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) five layers.

The packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of) a first layer, a second layer, at least one further layer and a print and/or ink layer.

In one embodiment the packaging for a foodstuff according to the invention may comprise (or consist of) a first layer and at least one further layer (comprising an aperture) with an adhesive layer between the first layer and at least one further layer, a print and/or ink layer which is applied and/or printed on the at least one further layer and a second layer.

The print and/or ink layer may be a layer of print and/or ink applied to and/or printed on the surface of one or more of the other layers of the invention.

The ink used (e.g. for printing) is suitably food grade ink.

In one embodiment, the print and/or ink layer may be applied to or printed on the at least one further layer. The print and/or ink layer may be applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture. Thus, the print and/or ink layer may be printed onto at least one further layer and through the aperture. The skilled person will understand that when the print and/or ink layer has been printed through at least a portion of the aperture said print and/or ink layer will be present on a layer immediately adjacent to (i.e. through) the aperture. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the print and/or ink layer will be present on at least a portion of the at least one further layer 23 and the adhesive layer 22.

In one embodiment the print and/or ink layer is (or has been) applied and/or printed in register through at least a portion of the aperture and on at least a portion of the at least one further layer, such that the print and/or ink layer is applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer, and at least a portion of the aperture. In one embodiment the print and/or ink layer at the layer immediately adjacent to (i.e. through) the aperture is in register. Referring to the embodiment of Figure 2, the print and/or ink layer 25 at the at least one further layer 23, aperture 24, and adhesive layer 22 are in register.

The term "applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture" as used herein means that the print and/or ink layer is present on a portion of the at least one further layer and the aperture. The term "applied and/or printed in register" means that in manufacture the print and/or ink layer has been applied to the layers of the packaging (e.g. a portion of at least one further layer and the aperture) in one manufacturing step. In other words it is intended that this term does not extend to printing and/or applying a print and/or ink layer to one or more layer or one or more further layer of the invention separately prior to arranging such that the print and/or ink layer appears aligned.

The term "at least a portion of the at least one further layer" may mean less than about 100%, 80% or 60% of the at least one further layer. Suitably it may mean less than about 50%, 30% or 15% of the at least one further layer. Suitably it may mean less than about 10% or 5% of the at least one further layer.

The term "at least a portion of the aperture" may mean less than about 100%, 80% or 60% of the aperture of the at least one further layer. Suitably it may mean less than about 50%, 30% or 15% of the aperture of the at least one further layer. Suitably it may mean less than about 10% or 5% of the aperture of the at least one further layer.

The print and/or ink layer may be continuous or discontinuous.

The term "continuous" as used in this context means that the print and/or ink layer is only applied to or printed on at least about 80% or about 90% (suitably 100%) of one or more layers of the invention.

The term "discontinuous" as used in this context means that the print and/or ink layer is only applied to or printed on less than about 80%, 50% or 20% of one or more layers of the invention. The "one or more layers of the invention" may be selected from: a first layer, at least one further layer, an adhesive layer or combinations thereof. Suitably the one or more layers may be selected from at least one further layer sandwiched between the first layer and second layer of the invention.

Suitably the print and/or ink layer may be discontinuous. Typically, where the print and/or ink layer forms a design, the print and/or ink layer may be discontinuous.

The at least one further layer and the print and/or ink layer may be sandwiched between the first layer and second layer of the invention.

In one embodiment the packaging for a foodstuff according to the invention may comprise (or consist of) a first layer, a second layer, at least one further layer, a print and/or ink layer and an adhesive layer.

In one embodiment the adhesive layer may comprise (or consist of) a lamination adhesive layer. Suitably the lamination adhesive layer may be sandwiched between the first layer and at least one further layer. In one embodiment the adhesive may be a glue.

The first layer, second layer and/or at least one further layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) any suitable material for use in packaging of a foodstuff. Suitably the first layer, second layer and/or at least one further layer may be made of a material capable of providing a barrier, e.g. a barrier to food spoilage microbes and/or other undesirable microorganisms and/or agents.

In one embodiment the first layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) a plastic, a wax or combinations thereof.

Suitably, the first layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) a plastic.

In one embodiment the plastic may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In one embodiment the second layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) a plastic, a wax or combinations thereof.

Suitably, the second layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) a wax.

In one embodiment the plastic may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene terepthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). In one embodiment the wax layer may be applied to the at least one further layer.

Suitably the at least one further layer may be a paper layer onto which the second wax layer may be applied. In some embodiments at least about 3 gsm of wax may be applied to the at least one further layer (e.g. the at least one further paper layer). Suitably at least about 5 gsm of wax, more suitably at least about 7 gsm of wax may be applied. More suitably, about 10 gsm of wax may be applied. Thus the packaging of the invention may comprise a paper layer and a second wax layer.

Suitably the second wax layer may comprise at least about 3 gsm of wax. Suitably the second wax layer may comprise at least about 5 gsm of wax, more suitably at least about 7 gsm of wax. More suitably, about 10 gsm of wax.

The wax can be any wax used in the art suitable for use in the packaging of a foodstuff. A wax of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may be blended with one or more further polymers or resins commonly used in the art. In a particularly preferred embodiment the wax may be a paraffin wax.

In one embodiment the at least one further layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) paper. Suitably the paper may be a paper of at least about 5 gsm or about 10 gsm. More suitably, the paper may be a paper of at least about 15 or about 20 gsm. Preferably the paper may be a paper of about 25 gsm. The packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of): a first layer; an adhesive layer; at least one further layer comprising an aperture; a print and/or ink layer printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture; and a second layer. Preferably the packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of): a first plastic layer; an adhesive layer; at least one further layer comprising an aperture; a print and/or ink layer printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture; and a second wax layer. More preferably the packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of): a first polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer; an adhesive layer; at least one further layer comprising a hole; a print and/or ink layer printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and the hole; and a second paraffin wax layer. More preferably the packaging for a foodstuff of the invention may comprise (or consist of): a first polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer; an adhesive layer; at least one further layer comprising a channel; a print and/or ink layer printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and the channel; and a second paraffin wax layer. The packaging of the invention is suitably for a foodstuff.

In one embodiment the invention provides a method for packaging a foodstuff comprising contacting a foodstuff with the packaging of the invention. In another embodiment the invention provides a method for packaging a foodstuff comprising contacting a foodstuff with a packaging obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method of the present invention.

The invention also provides a packaged foodstuff comprising the packaging of the invention. Additionally there is provided a packaged foodstuff comprising the packaging obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method of the invention.

The term "foodstuff" as used herein means a substance which is suitable for human and/or animal consumption (suitably for human consumption).

Suitably, the term "foodstuff" as used herein may mean a foodstuff in a form which is ready for consumption. Alternatively or in addition, however, the term foodstuff as used herein may mean one or more food materials which are used in the preparation of a foodstuff. By way of example only, the term foodstuff encompasses both baked goods produced from dough as well as the dough used in the preparation of said baked goods.

In one embodiment the foodstuff as defined above may be selected from one or more of the following: baked goods (e.g. bakery products), including breads, cakes, sweet dough products, laminated doughs, liquid batters, muffins, doughnuts, biscuits, crackers and cookies; eggs, egg-based products, including but not limited to mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, ice creams, egg powder, modified egg yolk and products made therefrom; confectionery, including chocolate, candies, caramels, halawa, gums, including sugar free and sugar sweetened gums, bubble gum, soft bubble gum, chewing gum and puddings; frozen products including sorbets, preferably frozen dairy products, including ice cream and ice milk; dairy products, including cheese, butter, milk, coffee cream, whipped cream, custard cream, milk drinks and yoghurts; mousses, whipped vegetable creams, meat products, including processed meat products; edible oils and fats, aerated and non-aerated whipped products, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, margarine, shortening and spreads including low fat and very low fat spreads; dressings, mayonnaise, dips, cream based sauces, cream based soups, beverages, spice emulsions and sauces.

Suitably the foodstuff in accordance with the present invention may be a "fine food", including cakes, pastry, confectionery, chocolates, fudge and the like.

In one embodiment the foodstuff may be a dough product or a baked product, such as a bread, a fried product, a snack, a cake, a pie, a brownie, a cookie, noodles, snack items such as crackers, graham crackers, pretzels, potato chips, and pasta. Therefore the packaging according to the invention may be a dough based product packaging or a baked product packaging. Suitably the foodstuff may be a bakery product. Therefore the packaging according to the invention may be a bakery packaging.

The bakery product may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: breads, cakes, sweet dough products, laminated doughs, liquid batters, muffins, doughnuts, biscuits, crackers and cookies

Preferably the bakery product may be a bread. Preferably the packaging according to the invention may be a bread product packaging.

The invention provides a method for manufacturing a packaging product of the invention.

In one embodiment there is provided a method for manufacturing a packaging for a foodstuff comprising:

a. providing a first layer;

d. providing a second layer;

wherein the first layer and the second layer form a sandwich.

A packaging for a foodstuff obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method of the invention is also provided.

In one embodiment a first layer for use in a method of the invention may be located on the inside of a packaging for a foodstuff when in use. Suitably, the first layer may provide a barrier (e.g. a barrier to food spoilage microbes and/or other undesirable microorganisms and/or agents), optionally in combination with a second layer and/or one or more further layers.

In another embodiment a second layer for use in a method of the invention may be located on the outside of a food packaging for a foodstuff when in use. Suitably, the second layer may provide a barrier (e.g. a barrier to food spoilage microbes and/or other undesirable microorganisms and/or agents), optionally in combination with a first layer and/or one or more further layers.

In one embodiment the method may comprise arranging the first layer and the second layer such that the first layer and the second layer form a sandwich.

The term "sandwich" as used herein in this context means that the first layer and the second layer are arranged opposite one another with any further layers of the invention located between the first layer and the second layer. Suitably the first layer may be arranged internally (e.g. adjacent to or contacting a foodstuff) when in use. Suitably the second layer may be arranged externally (e.g. not adjacent to or not contacting a foodstuff) when in use. More suitably the first layer may be arranged internally and the second layer may be arranged externally when in use. The at least one further layer for use in a method of the invention is sandwiched between the first and second layer.

The at least one further layer comprises an aperture. In some embodiments the term "at least one further layer" may mean at least two further layers, at least three further layers or at least four further layers. In other embodiments the term "at least one further layer" may mean between about 1 to about 10 layers, suitably between about 1 to about 5 layers. Suitably the term "at least one further layer" may mean one layer.

The method of the invention may produce a packaging for a foodstuff comprising (or consisting of) at least four layers, at least five layers, at least six layers or at least seven layers.

Suitably the packaging produced by the method may comprise (or consist of) at least four layers.

Suitably the packaging produced by the method may comprise (or consist of) at least five layers. Suitably the packaging produced by the method may comprise (or consist of) at least six layers. Suitably the packaging produced by the method may comprise (or consist of) at least seven layers.

Preferably the packaging produced by the method may comprise (or consist of) five layers. The method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) providing a first layer, a second layer, at least one further layer and a print and/or ink layer.

In one embodiment the method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) providing a first layer and at least one further layer (comprising an aperture) with an adhesive layer between the first layer and at least one further layer, a print and/or ink layer which is applied and/or printed on the at least one further layer and a second layer.

The print and/or ink layer may be applied to and/or printed on the surface of one or more of the other layers of the invention.

In one embodiment, the print and/or ink layer may be applied to or printed on the at least one further layer. The print and/or ink layer may be applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture. In one embodiment the method of the invention comprises printing and/or applying in register a print and/or ink layer, wherein the print and/or ink layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and the aperture.

The term "extend(s) across" as used in this context herein means that the print and/or ink layer spans along a portion or the whole length of the at least one further layer and/or the aperture in a longitudinal and/or transverse plane. Suitably the term "extend(s) across" means that the print and/or ink layer spans along a portion of the at least one further layer and/or the aperture in a longitudinal and/or traverse plane. The print and/or ink layer may be applied and/or printed such that the print and/or ink layer is continuous or discontinuous (suitably discontinuous). Typically, where the print and/or ink layer forms a design, the print and/or ink layer may be applied and/or printed such that it is discontinuous.

The print and/or ink layer may be applied to the packaging of the invention using any suitable method known in the art that will allow the print and/or ink layer to be applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture. In one embodiment the printing method may be selected from a flexographic print method and/or a rotogravure (e.g. gravure) print method. In a particularly preferred embodiment the print and/or ink layer is not applied to the packaging for a foodstuff using scatter printing. The term "scatter printing" as used herein refers to a method of printing a design on a packaging for a foodstuff (i.e. a "scatter print") wherein the design is of a random nature with no fixed start and endpoint. In other words, a "scatter print" design is not uniform.

In one embodiment the print and/or ink layer may be printed and/or applied to an adhesive layer located at the aperture of the at least one further layer. The adhesive layer may be exposed to the print and/or ink layer due to the absence of material forming the at least one further layer at the aperture.

The method of the invention may comprise arranging the at least one further layer and the print and/or ink layer such that they are sandwiched between the first layer and second layer of the invention. The method of the invention may comprise fixing at least one further layer to the first layer.

The at least one further layer may be fixed to the first layer by any suitable method known in the art. In one embodiment the at least one further layer may be fixed to the first layer using an adhesive. Suitably a lamination adhesive layer may be sandwiched between the first layer and at least one further layer in order to fix the first layer to the at least one further layer. Suitably, the adhesive may be a glue. The method of the invention may comprise arranging at least one further layer such that it comprises an aperture. In one embodiment this may be achieved by: (i) providing a first layer and at least one further layer; and (ii) removing at least one portion of the at least one further layer such that an aperture is created.

The at least one portion of the at least one further layer may be removed by cutting a part of the at least one further layer and removing the cut part.

In another embodiment arranging at least one further layer such that it comprises an aperture (suitably wherein the aperture is a channel) may be achieved by: providing a first layer and two or more portions of the at least one further layer and arranging the two or more portions of the at least one further layer on the same plane such that the at least one further layer comprises an aperture (suitably wherein the aperture is a channel).

In one embodiment the fixing of the at least one further layer to the first layer may be carried out before removing a portion of the at least one further layer.

In another embodiment the fixing of the at least one further layer to the first layer may be carried out after removing a portion of the at least one further layer.

Suitably the fixing of the at least one further layer to the first layer and removing a portion of the at least one further layer may occur or be carried out simultaneously.

The first layer, second layer and/or at least one further layer for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) any suitable material for use in packaging of a foodstuff. Suitably the first layer, second layer and/or at least one further layer may be made of a material capable of providing a barrier, e.g. a barrier to food spoilage microbes and/or other undesirable microorganisms and/or agents.

In one embodiment the plastic may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Typical packaging (i.e. not of the invention) usually has a waxed paper layer and a substantial surface area of the packaging contacting the foodstuff is said waxed paper layer. By having a first and/or second layer of the invention comprising (or consisting of) plastic advantageously the packaging for a foodstuff according to the invention has increased strength properties, with an added advantage of providing increased protection for a foodstuff therein.

In one embodiment the second layer of the invention or for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) a plastic, a wax or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment the plastic may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

In one embodiment the wax layer may be applied to the at least one further layer.

Suitably the at least one further layer may be a paper layer onto which the second wax layer may be applied.

In some embodiments at least about 3 gsm of wax may be applied to the at least one further layer (e.g. the at least one further paper layer). Suitably at least about 5 gsm of wax, more suitably at least about 7 gsm of wax may be applied. More suitably, about 10 gsm of wax may be applied.

Thus layers for use in the method of the present invention may comprise at least a paper layer and a second wax layer. Suitably the second wax layer may comprise at least about 3 gsm of wax. Suitably the second wax layer may comprise at least about 5 gsm of wax, more suitably at least about 7 gsm of wax. More suitably, about 10 gsm of wax.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the wax may be a paraffin wax. During manufacture the second layer (suitably the second layer comprising (or consisting of) wax) may be applied using a coating and/or lamination machine. Any coating and/or laminating machine may be used, for example, a machine commercially available from KROENERT GmbH & Co KG (SchutzenstraBe 105 22761 Hamburg, Germany) may be suitable for use in the manufacture of a product of the invention or in a method thereof.

In one embodiment the at least one further layer for use in a method of the invention may comprise (or consist of) paper. Suitably the paper may be a paper of at least about 5 gsm or about 10 gsm. More suitably, the paper may be a paper of at least about 15 or about 20 gsm. Preferably the paper may be a paper of about 25 gsm.

In one embodiment the at least one further layer may be laminated thus producing a substrate comprising a first layer, an adhesive layer and at least one further layer for further use in the method of the invention.

Suitably the paper may be laminated to between about 25 gsm to about 40 gsm or between about 25 gsm to about 30 gsm. Suitably the paper may be laminated to about 26.6 gsm (e.g. to a thickness of about 19 μηι).

Lamination may be performed using any machinery and/or technique known in the art. For example a machine commercially available from KROENERT GmbH & Co KG (SchutzenstraBe 105 22761 Hamburg, Germany) may be suitable for the lamination.

In some embodiments lamination and removal of at least a portion of the at least one further layer to produce an aperture of the at least one further layer may be carried out simultaneously and/or sequentially, suitably simultaneously. The substrate comprising a first layer, an adhesive layer and at least one further layer comprising an aperture may be have a print and/or ink layer applied and/or printed in register. Suitably the print and/or ink layer may be continuous across the aperture of the at least one further layer. The substrate comprising a first layer, an adhesive layer and at least one further layer comprising an aperture and print and/or ink layer applied and/or printed in register may then be treated to apply a layer of paraffin wax which wax forms the second layer. ADVANTAGES

The packaging and methods of the invention achieve a number of distinct advantages.

Prior methods typically involve a multi-step process with a necessity to prepare a printed wax paper and a printed plastic separately followed by fixing the printed wax paper to the printed plastic. The packaging for a foodstuff according to the invention is suitably prepared from multiple layers that are prepared and manufactured and/or printed in one step, i.e. without the necessity to prepare and print portions of the packaging separately and construct afterwards. Advantageously due to the structural characteristics of the packaging for a foodstuff of the invention the packaging has increased strength and/or damage resistance when compared to packaging having a printed wax paper and a printed plastic portion which have been prepared separately prior to being fixed together. Moreover advantageously the packaging of the invention has better moisture capture and/or odour capture properties. This surprisingly leads to the improved flavour of a foodstuff (preferably a bread) packaged with a packaging of the invention.

The arrangement of the layers comprised in the packaging for a foodstuff of the invention advantageously allows the use of printing in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and at least a portion of the aperture. Printing in register allows for better uniformity and/or quality of printing and/or presentation (e.g. the packaging is more aesthetically pleasing). This is especially true when compared to scatter print methods.

Additionally, the method of manufacture is much quicker and/or less laborious and/or more economical (e.g. cheaper). Suitably this is a result of preparing and manufacturing and/or printing the packaging in one step, i.e. without the necessity to prepare and print portions of the packaging separately and construct afterwards.

Embodiments in which the packaging comprises a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are particularly advantageous as such packaging demonstrates properties of high moisture retention. DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a typical prior art bread packaging 10 having a paper layer 14 that is printed with a scatter print design 15 and coated with paraffin wax 13 and a window area 16. A separate plastic portion 1 1 is printed with a scatter print design 15 and affixed using lamination adhesive 12 to the printed wax paper 13, 14 at the window area 16.

Figure 2 shows a packaging for a foodstuff according to the present invention.

In one embodiment with reference to Figure 2, there is provided a packaging for a foodstuff 20 comprising: a first layer 21 ; a second layer 26; at least one further layer 23 sandwiched between the first layer 21 and second layer 26 wherein the at least one further layer 23 comprises an aperture 24; an adhesive layer 22; and a print and/or ink layer 25 sandwiched between the second layer 26 and the at least one further layer 23; wherein the print and/or ink layer 25 is applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer 23 and the aperture 24.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

This disclosure is not limited by the exemplary methods and materials disclosed herein, and any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of this disclosure. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range.

The headings provided herein are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of this disclosure which can be had by reference to the specification as a whole. Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully defined by reference to the specification as a whole.

Other definitions of terms may appear throughout the specification. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within this disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in this disclosure. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a layer" (e.g. a first layer, second layer, at least one further layer, and/or a print and/or ink layer) includes a plurality of such candidate agents and reference to "the layer" (e.g. the first layer, second layer, at least one further layer, and/or a print and/or ink layer), for example, includes reference to one or more layers (e.g. first layers, second layers, further layers, and/or a print and/or ink layers) and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that such publications constitute prior art to the claims appended hereto.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1

Test Method

The method was performed in accordance with standard IS02758; A method for measuring the bursting strength of paper submitted to increasing hydraulic pressure. Description

The substrate was clamped in the burst test equipment paper surface upwards, above the flexible diaphragm. Hydraulic fluid was pumped into the chamber below the diaphragm, causing it to expand upwards and press on the substrate. The pressure generated in the hydraulic fluid due to the substrate's resistance to deformation was measured on a pressure gauge. The maximum pressure achieved before the substrate completely burst (both paper and film) was recorded as the burst strength.

Results

Burst Strength for a conventional wax paper wrap ("control" - see Figure 1 ) = Average 1 13 kPa.

Burst Strength for a product of the invention (see Figure 2) having PET + Wax Paper = Average 340 kPa.

All publications mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described methods and system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A packaging for a foodstuff comprising:

a. a first layer;

b. a second layer;

2. A packaging according to claim 1 , wherein the print and/or ink layer is (or has been) applied and/or printed in register through at least a portion of the aperture and on at least a portion of the at least one further layer, such that the print and/or ink layer is applied and/or printed in register across at least a portion of the at least one further layer, and at least a portion of the aperture.

3. A packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperture of the at least one further layer provides a window.

4. A packaging according to claim 3, wherein the window allows a foodstuff comprised in the packaging to be visualised when in use.

5. A packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer or second layer comprises of wax, plastic or combinations thereof.

6. A packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer comprises plastic.

7. A packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer comprises wax.

8. A packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one further layer comprises paper.

9. A packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foodstuff is a bakery product.

10. A packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging comprises a lamination adhesive layer sandwiched between the first layer and the at least one further layer.

1 1 . A method for manufacturing a packaging for a foodstuff comprising:

a. providing a first layer;

c. printing and/or applying in register a print and/or ink layer, wherein the print and/or ink layer extends across at least a portion of the at least one further layer and the aperture; and

d. providing a second layer;

wherein the first layer and the second layer form a sandwich.

12. A method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the print and/or ink layer is applied and/or printed through the aperture.

13. A method according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein first layer is a plastic layer.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1 1 -13, wherein the second layer is a wax layer.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1 1 -14, wherein the at least one further layer is fixed to the first layer using an adhesive.

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 1 -15, wherein the arrangement of the at least one further layer comprises removing a portion of the at least one further layer to form an aperture.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the fixing of the at least one further layer to the first layer and removing a portion of the at least one further layer occur simultaneously.

18. A method according to any one of claims 1 1 -17, wherein the print and/or ink layer is applied to an adhesive layer located at the aperture of the at least one further layer.

19. A method according to any one of claims 1 1 -18, wherein the at least one further layer is a paper layer.

20. A packaging for a foodstuff obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method according to any one of claims 1 1 -19.

21 . A method for packaging a foodstuff comprising contacting a foodstuff with the packaging according to any one of claims 1 -10 or 20.

22. A packaged foodstuff comprising the packaging of any one of claims 1 -10 or 20 or obtainable (e.g. obtained) by a method according to claim 21 .