US20110017772A1 - Container and Sealing Membrane for Packaging of Reactive Products - Google Patents
Container and Sealing Membrane for Packaging of Reactive Products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110017772A1 US20110017772A1 US12/841,685 US84168510A US2011017772A1 US 20110017772 A1 US20110017772 A1 US 20110017772A1 US 84168510 A US84168510 A US 84168510A US 2011017772 A1 US2011017772 A1 US 2011017772A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- product
- sealing membrane
- layer
- packaged product
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 88
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 81
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title abstract description 17
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 20
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910001853 inorganic hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910001502 inorganic halide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 7
- VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium hydroxide Chemical group [NH4+].[OH-] VHUUQVKOLVNVRT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000908 ammonium hydroxide Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 abstract description 19
- 239000000118 hair dye Substances 0.000 abstract description 13
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 62
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 62
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 15
- 229920000554 ionomer Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 238000007655 standard test method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- VSCWAEJMTAWNJL-UHFFFAOYSA-K aluminium trichloride Chemical compound Cl[Al](Cl)Cl VSCWAEJMTAWNJL-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[K+] KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000032798 delamination Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 3
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].[K+] WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Urea Chemical compound NC(N)=O XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004161 brilliant blue FCF Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- DDFHBQSCUXNBSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-(5-carboxythiophen-2-yl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid Chemical compound S1C(C(=O)O)=CC=C1C1=CC=C(C(O)=O)S1 DDFHBQSCUXNBSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 239000005062 Polybutadiene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003182 Surlyn® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005035 Surlyn® Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001854 alkali hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004973 alkali metal peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001860 alkaline earth metal hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004974 alkaline earth metal peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001342 alkaline earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001649 bromium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- AXCZMVOFGPJBDE-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium dihydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[Ca+2] AXCZMVOFGPJBDE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000000920 calcium hydroxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001861 calcium hydroxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013877 carbamide Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002144 chemical decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001805 chlorine compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012611 container material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000551 dentifrice Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000004673 fluoride salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000004694 iodide salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000002045 lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001024 permanent hair color Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002857 polybutadiene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001083 polybutene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001103 potassium chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011164 potassium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 1
- PFUVRDFDKPNGAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium peroxide Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-][O-] PFUVRDFDKPNGAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052723 transition metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000003624 transition metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- AQLJVWUFPCUVLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N urea hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO.NC(N)=O AQLJVWUFPCUVLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/02—Body construction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0015—Upper closure of the 41-type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/20—Sealing means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
- B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
- B65D2577/2025—Multi-layered container, e.g. laminated, coated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
- B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
- B65D2577/2041—Pull tabs
- B65D2577/205—Pull tabs integral with the closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/84—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for corrosive chemicals
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the packaging of products including hair colorants comprising reactive ingredients such as acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing compounds.
- PE polyethylene
- Membranes for sealing plastic or laminate containers are used for storage of a number of products, including foods, cosmetics, and dentifrices.
- these membranes are engineered to provide a lasting barrier that prevents contact of the product with oxygen, prior to use.
- Heat sealing of the membrane to the container opening for example, promotes high membrane/container adhesion and thereby mitigates product leakage and/or air exposure over prolonged storage periods.
- Other important characteristics of such membranes are their inertness with respect to the contained product and ease of removal by the user with only manual force (i.e., without the need for scissors, a knife, or other instrument).
- a particular type of removable “peel seal” membrane conventionally used utilizes an ionomer such as Surlyn® for bonding with the container and covering its dispensing opening or orifice.
- Ionomers exhibit a number of desirable properties including good sealing/adhesion, ease of manufacture based on a broad “operating window” of seal temperature and pressure, and reasonable peel forces required to separate the ionomer layer from the container, even for relatively small areas of bonding or contact between this layer and the container mouth (e.g., at a circular ridge around the container opening).
- peel seal membranes are generally not used for sealing containers containing “aggressive” or chemically reactive products, such as hair dye products, which may comprise acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients. Indeed, the containment of such products lead to the failure of the sealing material of the membrane during product storage over extended periods and/or under conditions (e.g., elevated temperatures) that accelerate chemical degradation/attack of the sealing layer.
- hair dye products and in particular permanent dyes, have for many years been sold in aluminum dispensing tubes due to the high bather properties of such containers and their ability to resist chemical attack from such reactive products.
- Such tubes are manufactured by impact extrusion, so as to form a complete container, including a thin layer of aluminium covering the orifice area.
- aluminium tubes exhibit an integrated “membrane” closing the container. To open such tubes, the membrane must first be pierced by the consumer.
- the present invention is associated with the discovery of packaging components exhibiting unexpected chemical stability to aggressive or chemically reactive products (e.g., containing acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients).
- packaging components including the container and sealing membrane, also provide excellent sealing/adhesion between these components as well as other properties required for extended storage of such products, prior to use.
- Particular aspects of the invention are associated with the finding of sealing (particularly peel seal) membranes, typically having multiple layers, used to cover the opening of product containers.
- These sealing membranes advantageously have a high resistance to chemical attack, as required for the packaging of aggressive products without seal failure.
- the sealing membranes also exhibit other important characteristics, such as good barrier properties that minimize or eliminate interaction with the external environment, chemical inertness with respect to the product, and desirable heat sealing properties for prolonged adhesion without cracking and/or product leakage.
- the containers themselves, to which the sealing membrane is adhered may comprise plastic or have a multi-layer laminate structure.
- the container does not comprise aluminum or an aluminum layer, as used in conventional packaging of hair dyes and other aggressive products.
- An additional aspect of the invention is therefore associated with the discovery of laminate containers (e.g., tubes) having the same functional performance as conventional containers comprising aluminum and demonstrating compatibility with, and protection of, aggressive products during storage.
- Particular embodiments of the invention are directed to packaged products having the packaging components of a container and sealing membrane, in which the interface bond between the membrane and the container orifice is improved, relative to conventional packages, to obtain superior performance characteristics, including good sealing at elevated temperatures and/or extended storage times, high adhesion, and long-term chemical resistance.
- the sealing membrane used to cover the opening of the container advantageously comprises an inner layer made of a blend of polyethylene (PE), in particular a low density polyethylene, with an anti-cohesion additive, in contact with the container, as well as a barrier layer (e.g., an aluminum layer) to provide an effective chemical barrier.
- PE polyethylene
- barrier layer e.g., an aluminum layer
- a conventional ionomer is absent from the sealing membrane.
- the container and sealing membrane cooperate to form a package that is suitable for containing aggressive products (e.g., hair colorants) and particularly those comprising one or more reactive ingredients selected from inorganic hydroxides (e.g., ammonium hydroxide), inorganic halides (e.g., aluminum chloride), and peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).
- aggressive products e.g., hair colorants
- inorganic hydroxides e.g., ammonium hydroxide
- inorganic halides e.g., aluminum chloride
- peroxides e.g., hydrogen peroxide
- Particular sealing membrane structures are those having a low cohesive strength that allow the user to peel the sealing membrane from the container opening of the packaged product with manual (digital) forces, for example in the case of removal of a sealing membrane with an inner PE layer from a PE container.
- Layered sealing membranes having a low molecular weight PE inner layer are particularly suitable due to their peel strength performance. Due to the presence of an anti-cohesion additive in the inner layer, the locus of failure during peeling of such membranes is internally, or within the film, rather than at the membrane/container interface. The peel force is therefore determined by the mechanical properties of the blend of PE and anti-cohesion additive itself instead of the quality of the sealing operation.
- the sealing membrane can comprise, as an exemplary barrier layer, an aluminum foil layer in contact with (e.g., disposed directly adjacent to or above) the inner layer.
- an external support layer for example a polyester layer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, can be used for enhancing rigidity or a printing (e.g., paper) or embossing layer for providing decorative features.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the PE-based sealing membranes described herein combine excellent seal performance in manufacturing with excellent chemical resistance to acid, basic, or oxidizing environments, at both ambient and elevated storage temperatures.
- Further embodiments of the invention are directed to packages for dispensing aggressive products, comprising a container having an opening and a sealing membrane, as described herein, covering the opening and adhered thereto (e.g., as the result of heat sealing). Yet further embodiments are directed to methods for dispensing such products comprising peeling the membrane from the container opening and squeezing the container to dispense the product, using manual (digital) forces for both removal of the membrane and dispensing of the aggressive product. Still further embodiments are directed to sealing membranes, as described herein, for covering an opening of a container having an aggressive product disposed therein.
- Even further embodiments are directed to methods of making packaged products comprising adhering the inner layer of a sealing membrane as described herein to a container to cover its opening, with the container having an aggressive product disposed therein.
- the adhering may be performed, for example, by heat sealing.
- the inner layer of the sealing member is adhered such that manual peeling forces are sufficient to remove the sealing membrane from the container.
- FIG. 1 depicts a representative packaged product with a tubular container and sealing membrane as packaging components.
- FIG. 2 depicts a representative structure used for a multi-layer sealing membrane.
- FIG. 3 depicts another representative structure used for a multi-layer sealing membrane.
- FIGS. 4A-4C depicts failures associated with conventional sealing membranes and tubular containers, used for storing aggressive products over an extended period.
- Packaged products and sealing membrane structures will have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and also the environment in which they are used.
- “Aggressive products” as described herein, such as hair colorants (or hair dyes), are chemically reactive and generally contain one or more acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients. These ingredients often fall within the chemical classes of inorganic hydroxides, inorganic halides, and peroxides.
- Inorganic hydroxides include ammonium hydroxide as well as alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (e.g., potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide).
- Inorganic halides include fluorides, chlorides, bromides, and iodides of ammonium and metals such as transition metals, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals. Aluminum chloride, potassium chloride, and ammonium fluoride are specific examples.
- Peroxides include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide (carbamide), and alkali and alkaline earth metal peroxides (e.g., sodium peroxide).
- Representative aggressive products have pH values of less than about 4 (e.g., in the range from about 1 to about 4, or from about 1 to about 3) or otherwise pH values of greater than about 9 (e.g., in the range from about 10 to about 13, or from about 10 to about 12), and often greater than about 11 (e.g., in the range from about 11 to about 14).
- FIG. 1 depicts a representative packaged product 100 comprising a tubular container 2 and sealing membrane 4 covering the opening of container 2 . Peeling of sealing membrane 4 with manual force may be facilitated using pull tab 6 to separate it from container 2 at the ring-shaped area of contact between sealing membrane 4 and container 2 (partially defined by the dashed, inner circle in FIG. 1 ).
- Container 2 can have a circular or oval-shaped cross section in any plane perpendicular to its axis 8 , generally extending through the center of sealing membrane 4 . In the embodiment depicted in FIG.
- tubular container 2 is flared, such that the cross-sectional area from the container opening to crimped end 10 gradually increases. In other embodiments, this cross-sectional area may be substantially constant with respect to axial position or may even taper or decrease. Threads 7 may be used to engage a removable screw cap (not shown) for covering the container opening.
- tubular dispensing containers of this type in which the product is to be dispensed by the application of manual pressing forces, have a restricted opening for greater control of the flow, amount, and placement of dispensed product.
- the container opening generally has an area of less than about 50%, typically less than about 40%, and often less than about 25%, of a cross-sectional area, measured at any plane perpendicular to the axis of the container (e.g., which may also be any plane parallel to the opening).
- a representative container is a laminate having a PE inner layer, an aluminum foil middle layer, and a PE outer layer.
- the surface of the PE outer layer may be printed to provide decorative effects and/or convey product information.
- Adhesive, tie, or compatibility layers may be incorporated between the inner and middle layers and/or the middle and outer layers, to provide the laminate structure.
- the use of a PE/Aluminum/PE structure creates a “continuity” of chemical resistance between the container and a sealing membrane also having the PE (e.g., modified PE) and aluminum layers. This is especially important for providing resistance from chemical attack around the container opening/sealing membrane junction, which has been found to be a key weak area of the overall package and an important consideration for aggressive products in particular.
- the container does not include aluminum (e.g., as an aluminum layer).
- the container does not include PET or at least does not include a PET external or outer layer.
- inner layer 20 of sealing membrane comprises a blend of PE and an anti-cohesion additive, the inner layer 20 typically having a thickness from about 10 to about 60 microns, and often from about 25 to about 40 microns.
- Suitable anti-cohesion additives may be polymer-based fillers such as polypropylene or polybutadiene that during film production become spherical or create discrete nodules.
- Inorganic additives include metallic oxides and carbonates (e.g., TiO 2 and CaCO 3 ), often in powder form, and other materials that can be incorporated as fillers. Polybutene may also be used, as well as combinations of any of the additives discussed above.
- the inner layer may comprise between 5 to 50% by weight of anti-cohesion additive, preferably between 10 and 15% by weight without affecting the chemical stability of the inner layer.
- the PE of the inner layer is of a relatively low or medium density, with the anti-cohesion additives often being non-compatible particles.
- a representative density range is from about 0.91 to about 0.93 g/cm 3 .
- the weight of the inner layer normally ranges from about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter (g/m 2 ), and often from about 20 to about 45 g/m 2 .
- Adjacent to, and in contact with, inner layer 20 is middle barrier layer 30 , which may comprise aluminum foil or other suitable barrier material that provides high resistance to chemical attack.
- the thickness of middle barrier layer 30 normally ranges from about 12 to about 45 microns, and often from about 15 to about 40 microns.
- an external support layer 40 Adjacent to, and in contact with, middle barrier layer 30 , is an external support layer 40 which may comprise a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for enhancing rigidity, or otherwise a printing (e.g., paper) or embossing material for providing designs and/or product information.
- External layer 40 when made from PET, typically has a weight from about 1 to about 15 g/m 2 . When paper is used, this weight can increase depending on the paper grade and hence paper weight used.
- the inner and barrier layers, and/or barrier and external layers are separated by an adhesive, tie, or compatibility layer 25 and/or 35 therebetween, to provide the sealing membrane.
- the sealing membrane can be adhered (e.g., by heat sealing) to the mouth or opening of a container to provide packaging for an aggressive product.
- Good sealing strength is obtained with high density polyethylene (HDPE) substrates (e.g., container materials) over a broad range of sealing temperatures.
- HDPE high density polyethylene
- a substantially constant sealing strength of between 10 and 12 Newton is obtained for a heat sealing temperature range of 180° C. to 240° C.
- the seal between the sealing membrane and container is essentially leak proof, and the membrane is advantageously essentially chemically inert with respect to the product, at room temperature (e.g., 20° C.) or even at elevated temperatures (e.g., in the range from 25-50° C.).
- sealing membrane may include any one, any combination, or all of the following: a total weight from about 100 to about 200 grams per square meter (g/m 2 ), often from about 125 to about 170 g/m 2 (as measured using standard test method ISO 536) a total thickness from about 50 to about 200 microns ( ⁇ ), often from about 65 to about 150 ⁇ (as measured using standard test method ISO 534); a tensile strength from about 35 to about 75 newtons/15 mm (N/15 mm), often from about 40 to about 55 N/15 mm (as measured using standard test method ISO 1924); an elongation from about 5 to about 10%, often from about 7 to about 9% (as measured using standard test method ISO 1924); a burst strength from about 300 to about 500 kPa, often from about 350 to about 475 kPa (as measured using standard test method ISO 2758); a bending value from about 3 mm to about 20 mm, often from about 5 mm to about 15 mm; a water
- the sealing membranes described herein allow hair colorants, and particularly permanent hair dye formulations that are highly reactive due to their substantial content of ammonium hydroxide, as well as other aggressive products, to be stored in plastic and laminate tubes.
- Those having skill in the art will recognize the applicability of the packages, containers, sealing membranes, and associated methods described herein to the storage and dispensing of various other aggressive products including acidic or alkaline products, or otherwise industrial or household products such as solvents (e.g., drain cleaner) and cleaning products (e.g., mildew removers). It will also be appreciated that various changes can be made in these compositions and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the subject matter described herein is therefore representative of the present invention and its associated advantages and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
- “Peel seal” membranes structures comprising an ionomer inner layer and aluminum barrier layer, were tested for their ability to store hair colorant product containing ammonium hydroxide over extended periods. These membranes were heat sealed to tubes made of high density polyethylene and containing the product, and the sealed tubes were maintained either at ambient temperature or at 45° C. in an oven. The condition of the tubes was observed after 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of storage.
- the peel seal lost adhesion and “delaminated” from the tube orifice or opening.
- the result was a leaking tube and seal failure.
- some discoloration was observed on the outside of the tube head that may be explained by migration of components of the hair colorant formulation into and across the peel seal, likely at the edges in the zone of adhesion between the membrane and the tube orifice.
- Neither of these failure modes (catastrophic delamination, or leakage) was observed immediately after manufacture, but instead became apparent after weeks or months of storage at both ambient temperature and at the elevated temperature, in the “accelerated” testing.
- the delaminated and discolored seal membranes are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B .
- the discolored tubular containers are shown in FIG. 4C .
- the tested seal membrane comprises an inner layer comprising a blend of a low density polyethylene having a density of 0.92 g/cm 3 and polypropylene as an anti-cohesion additive, and having a weight of 30 g/m 2 , a middle bather layer comprising soft aluminum having a thickness of 37 micrometers, an adhesive layer having a thickness of 3 micrometers, and an external layer made of a polyester film having a thickness of 12 micrometers.
- the sealing membrane and tubular container failure modes illustrated in FIGS. 4A , 4 B, and 4 C were not observed.
- the sealing membrane/container package was acceptable for storage of the aggressive hair colorant, based on no observed (i) discoloration, (ii) delamination of the inner layer or sealing membrane generally, and (iii) migration of the product to inside the sealing membrane.
Abstract
Sealing (peel seal) membranes for packaging aggressive or chemically reactive products such as hair colorants over long periods without seal failure are described. Advantageously, the membranes and other packaging components have a high resistance to chemical attack and exhibit other advantageous characteristics, such as good barrier properties that minimize or eliminate interaction with the external environment, chemical inertness with respect to the product, and desirable heat sealing properties for prolonged adhesion without cracking and/or product leakage. The membranes comprise an inner bonding layer comprising a blend of polyethylene (PE) with an anti-cohesion additive, and a barrier layer.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/228,274, filed Jul. 24, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to the packaging of products including hair colorants comprising reactive ingredients such as acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing compounds. A sealing membrane having an inner layer made of polyethylene (PE) with an anti-cohesion additive, used to cover an opening such as a dispensing orifice of the product container, provides chemical resistance for long-term storage of the packaged product.
- Membranes for sealing plastic or laminate containers, particularly so-called, easily removable “peel seal” membranes or structures, are used for storage of a number of products, including foods, cosmetics, and dentifrices. Ideally, these membranes are engineered to provide a lasting barrier that prevents contact of the product with oxygen, prior to use. Heat sealing of the membrane to the container opening, for example, promotes high membrane/container adhesion and thereby mitigates product leakage and/or air exposure over prolonged storage periods. Other important characteristics of such membranes are their inertness with respect to the contained product and ease of removal by the user with only manual force (i.e., without the need for scissors, a knife, or other instrument).
- A particular type of removable “peel seal” membrane conventionally used utilizes an ionomer such as Surlyn® for bonding with the container and covering its dispensing opening or orifice. Ionomers exhibit a number of desirable properties including good sealing/adhesion, ease of manufacture based on a broad “operating window” of seal temperature and pressure, and reasonable peel forces required to separate the ionomer layer from the container, even for relatively small areas of bonding or contact between this layer and the container mouth (e.g., at a circular ridge around the container opening).
- However, such “peel seal” membranes are generally not used for sealing containers containing “aggressive” or chemically reactive products, such as hair dye products, which may comprise acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients. Indeed, the containment of such products lead to the failure of the sealing material of the membrane during product storage over extended periods and/or under conditions (e.g., elevated temperatures) that accelerate chemical degradation/attack of the sealing layer.
- For these reasons, hair dye products, and in particular permanent dyes, have for many years been sold in aluminum dispensing tubes due to the high bather properties of such containers and their ability to resist chemical attack from such reactive products. Such tubes are manufactured by impact extrusion, so as to form a complete container, including a thin layer of aluminium covering the orifice area. In other words such aluminium tubes exhibit an integrated “membrane” closing the container. To open such tubes, the membrane must first be pierced by the consumer.
- However, there is an ongoing market need for new, innovative and hence improved packaging systems, and in particular containers made primarily from plastic materials. An example would be those utilizing laminate tube manufacturing technology. Such tubes, manufactured from a multilayerd structure, or “web” provide considerable marketing advantages. However, it has traditionally been impossible to manufacture such tubes or containers with sufficient chemical resistance to envisage using them for very aggressive products. In particular, their manufacturing technology requires the orifice of the container to be sealed after manufacture in order to prevent the reactive contents from being altered by contact with air, and at the same time be chemically resistant enough to withstand prolonged contact with aggressive contents. Sealing the orifice requires application of a sealing membrane, and preferably a membrane that can be manually pealed from the container by the consumer before use. Until now no such “peal seal” membrane has been found for storing aggressive or chemically reactive products such as hair dyes.
- Despite some favorable qualities of conventional sealing membranes, for example those utilizing an ionomer layer, it has been determined that long-term chemical resistance to aggressive products remains an issue. Hence, they cannot be used in the presence of aggressive products, for example hair dyes and others that are normally dispensed by squeezing them through an opening in a collapsible tubular container, as they are not chemically inert in the presence of significantly acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients. Such aggressive product formulations therefore pose significant challenges in terms of providing suitable packaging components having extended storage capability. For example, conventional ionomer bonding layers are subject to chemical attack by products containing ammonium hydroxide, leading to leakage of the product after time and/or even complete seal failure.
- The present invention is associated with the discovery of packaging components exhibiting unexpected chemical stability to aggressive or chemically reactive products (e.g., containing acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients). These packaging components, including the container and sealing membrane, also provide excellent sealing/adhesion between these components as well as other properties required for extended storage of such products, prior to use. Particular aspects of the invention are associated with the finding of sealing (particularly peel seal) membranes, typically having multiple layers, used to cover the opening of product containers. These sealing membranes advantageously have a high resistance to chemical attack, as required for the packaging of aggressive products without seal failure. The sealing membranes also exhibit other important characteristics, such as good barrier properties that minimize or eliminate interaction with the external environment, chemical inertness with respect to the product, and desirable heat sealing properties for prolonged adhesion without cracking and/or product leakage.
- The containers themselves, to which the sealing membrane is adhered (e.g., by heat sealing at its inner layer), may comprise plastic or have a multi-layer laminate structure. According to a particular embodiment, the container does not comprise aluminum or an aluminum layer, as used in conventional packaging of hair dyes and other aggressive products. An additional aspect of the invention is therefore associated with the discovery of laminate containers (e.g., tubes) having the same functional performance as conventional containers comprising aluminum and demonstrating compatibility with, and protection of, aggressive products during storage.
- Particular embodiments of the invention are directed to packaged products having the packaging components of a container and sealing membrane, in which the interface bond between the membrane and the container orifice is improved, relative to conventional packages, to obtain superior performance characteristics, including good sealing at elevated temperatures and/or extended storage times, high adhesion, and long-term chemical resistance. The sealing membrane used to cover the opening of the container advantageously comprises an inner layer made of a blend of polyethylene (PE), in particular a low density polyethylene, with an anti-cohesion additive, in contact with the container, as well as a barrier layer (e.g., an aluminum layer) to provide an effective chemical barrier. The overall sealing membrane is therefore easily removed by peeling yet highly resistant to chemical attack/degradation. According to some embodiments, a conventional ionomer (or ionomer layer) is absent from the sealing membrane. In any event, the container and sealing membrane cooperate to form a package that is suitable for containing aggressive products (e.g., hair colorants) and particularly those comprising one or more reactive ingredients selected from inorganic hydroxides (e.g., ammonium hydroxide), inorganic halides (e.g., aluminum chloride), and peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).
- Particular sealing membrane structures are those having a low cohesive strength that allow the user to peel the sealing membrane from the container opening of the packaged product with manual (digital) forces, for example in the case of removal of a sealing membrane with an inner PE layer from a PE container. Layered sealing membranes having a low molecular weight PE inner layer are particularly suitable due to their peel strength performance. Due to the presence of an anti-cohesion additive in the inner layer, the locus of failure during peeling of such membranes is internally, or within the film, rather than at the membrane/container interface. The peel force is therefore determined by the mechanical properties of the blend of PE and anti-cohesion additive itself instead of the quality of the sealing operation. In addition to an inner layer of PE, the sealing membrane can comprise, as an exemplary barrier layer, an aluminum foil layer in contact with (e.g., disposed directly adjacent to or above) the inner layer. Optionally, an external support layer, for example a polyester layer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, can be used for enhancing rigidity or a printing (e.g., paper) or embossing layer for providing decorative features. The PE-based sealing membranes described herein combine excellent seal performance in manufacturing with excellent chemical resistance to acid, basic, or oxidizing environments, at both ambient and elevated storage temperatures.
- Further embodiments of the invention are directed to packages for dispensing aggressive products, comprising a container having an opening and a sealing membrane, as described herein, covering the opening and adhered thereto (e.g., as the result of heat sealing). Yet further embodiments are directed to methods for dispensing such products comprising peeling the membrane from the container opening and squeezing the container to dispense the product, using manual (digital) forces for both removal of the membrane and dispensing of the aggressive product. Still further embodiments are directed to sealing membranes, as described herein, for covering an opening of a container having an aggressive product disposed therein. Even further embodiments are directed to methods of making packaged products comprising adhering the inner layer of a sealing membrane as described herein to a container to cover its opening, with the container having an aggressive product disposed therein. The adhering may be performed, for example, by heat sealing. Preferably, the inner layer of the sealing member is adhered such that manual peeling forces are sufficient to remove the sealing membrane from the container.
- These and other embodiments and aspects of the invention are apparent from the following Detailed Description.
-
FIG. 1 depicts a representative packaged product with a tubular container and sealing membrane as packaging components. -
FIG. 2 depicts a representative structure used for a multi-layer sealing membrane. -
FIG. 3 depicts another representative structure used for a multi-layer sealing membrane. -
FIGS. 4A-4C depicts failures associated with conventional sealing membranes and tubular containers, used for storing aggressive products over an extended period. - The features of the packaged products and multi-layer structures are not necessarily drawn to scale and should be understood to present an illustration of the invention and/or principles involved. Some features depicted in the figures may be enlarged or distorted relative to others, in order to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the figures for similar or identical components or features shown. Packaged products and sealing membrane structures will have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and also the environment in which they are used.
- “Aggressive products” as described herein, such as hair colorants (or hair dyes), are chemically reactive and generally contain one or more acidic, basic, and/or oxidizing ingredients. These ingredients often fall within the chemical classes of inorganic hydroxides, inorganic halides, and peroxides. Inorganic hydroxides include ammonium hydroxide as well as alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (e.g., potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide). Inorganic halides include fluorides, chlorides, bromides, and iodides of ammonium and metals such as transition metals, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals. Aluminum chloride, potassium chloride, and ammonium fluoride are specific examples. Peroxides include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide (carbamide), and alkali and alkaline earth metal peroxides (e.g., sodium peroxide). Representative aggressive products have pH values of less than about 4 (e.g., in the range from about 1 to about 4, or from about 1 to about 3) or otherwise pH values of greater than about 9 (e.g., in the range from about 10 to about 13, or from about 10 to about 12), and often greater than about 11 (e.g., in the range from about 11 to about 14).
- As discussed above, the present invention is associated with the packaging of hair colorants and other aggressive products using a particular combination of packaging components, including a container and sealing membrane that can effectively contain the product over long periods.
FIG. 1 depicts a representative packagedproduct 100 comprising atubular container 2 and sealingmembrane 4 covering the opening ofcontainer 2. Peeling of sealingmembrane 4 with manual force may be facilitated usingpull tab 6 to separate it fromcontainer 2 at the ring-shaped area of contact between sealingmembrane 4 and container 2 (partially defined by the dashed, inner circle inFIG. 1 ).Container 2 can have a circular or oval-shaped cross section in any plane perpendicular to itsaxis 8, generally extending through the center of sealingmembrane 4. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 ,tubular container 2 is flared, such that the cross-sectional area from the container opening to crimpedend 10 gradually increases. In other embodiments, this cross-sectional area may be substantially constant with respect to axial position or may even taper or decrease.Threads 7 may be used to engage a removable screw cap (not shown) for covering the container opening. - Normally, tubular dispensing containers of this type, in which the product is to be dispensed by the application of manual pressing forces, have a restricted opening for greater control of the flow, amount, and placement of dispensed product. According to particular embodiments, therefore, the container opening generally has an area of less than about 50%, typically less than about 40%, and often less than about 25%, of a cross-sectional area, measured at any plane perpendicular to the axis of the container (e.g., which may also be any plane parallel to the opening). This embodiment contrasts with conventional containers used, for example, for storing food products with wide openings that allow removal using eating utensils. A representative container is a laminate having a PE inner layer, an aluminum foil middle layer, and a PE outer layer. The surface of the PE outer layer may be printed to provide decorative effects and/or convey product information. Adhesive, tie, or compatibility layers may be incorporated between the inner and middle layers and/or the middle and outer layers, to provide the laminate structure. In this manner, the use of a PE/Aluminum/PE structure creates a “continuity” of chemical resistance between the container and a sealing membrane also having the PE (e.g., modified PE) and aluminum layers. This is especially important for providing resistance from chemical attack around the container opening/sealing membrane junction, which has been found to be a key weak area of the overall package and an important consideration for aggressive products in particular. As discussed above, in other particular embodiments of the invention, the container does not include aluminum (e.g., as an aluminum layer). According to further embodiments of the invention, the container does not include PET or at least does not include a PET external or outer layer.
- A representative multi-layer structure for a sealing
membrane 4 is shown inFIG. 2 . As discussed above,inner layer 20 of sealing membrane comprises a blend of PE and an anti-cohesion additive, theinner layer 20 typically having a thickness from about 10 to about 60 microns, and often from about 25 to about 40 microns. Suitable anti-cohesion additives may be polymer-based fillers such as polypropylene or polybutadiene that during film production become spherical or create discrete nodules. Inorganic additives include metallic oxides and carbonates (e.g., TiO2 and CaCO3), often in powder form, and other materials that can be incorporated as fillers. Polybutene may also be used, as well as combinations of any of the additives discussed above. Those having skill in the art, with knowledge of the present disclosure, will be able to adjust the addition level of any additive or combination of additives to obtain a desired peel force, with this force generally decreasing as additive rate is increased. Typically, the inner layer may comprise between 5 to 50% by weight of anti-cohesion additive, preferably between 10 and 15% by weight without affecting the chemical stability of the inner layer. - According to particular embodiments illustrated on
FIG. 2 , the PE of the inner layer is of a relatively low or medium density, with the anti-cohesion additives often being non-compatible particles. A representative density range is from about 0.91 to about 0.93 g/cm3. The weight of the inner layer normally ranges from about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter (g/m2), and often from about 20 to about 45 g/m2. Adjacent to, and in contact with,inner layer 20 ismiddle barrier layer 30, which may comprise aluminum foil or other suitable barrier material that provides high resistance to chemical attack. The thickness ofmiddle barrier layer 30 normally ranges from about 12 to about 45 microns, and often from about 15 to about 40 microns. Adjacent to, and in contact with,middle barrier layer 30, is anexternal support layer 40 which may comprise a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for enhancing rigidity, or otherwise a printing (e.g., paper) or embossing material for providing designs and/or product information.External layer 40, when made from PET, typically has a weight from about 1 to about 15 g/m2. When paper is used, this weight can increase depending on the paper grade and hence paper weight used. - According to other embodiments illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the inner and barrier layers, and/or barrier and external layers are separated by an adhesive, tie, orcompatibility layer 25 and/or 35 therebetween, to provide the sealing membrane. - The sealing membrane can be adhered (e.g., by heat sealing) to the mouth or opening of a container to provide packaging for an aggressive product. Good sealing strength is obtained with high density polyethylene (HDPE) substrates (e.g., container materials) over a broad range of sealing temperatures. A substantially constant sealing strength of between 10 and 12 Newton is obtained for a heat sealing temperature range of 180° C. to 240° C. During storage of the packaged product, the seal between the sealing membrane and container is essentially leak proof, and the membrane is advantageously essentially chemically inert with respect to the product, at room temperature (e.g., 20° C.) or even at elevated temperatures (e.g., in the range from 25-50° C.).
- Other advantageous properties of the sealing membrane may include any one, any combination, or all of the following: a total weight from about 100 to about 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), often from about 125 to about 170 g/m2 (as measured using standard test method ISO 536) a total thickness from about 50 to about 200 microns (μ), often from about 65 to about 150μ (as measured using standard test method ISO 534); a tensile strength from about 35 to about 75 newtons/15 mm (N/15 mm), often from about 40 to about 55 N/15 mm (as measured using standard test method ISO 1924); an elongation from about 5 to about 10%, often from about 7 to about 9% (as measured using standard test method ISO 1924); a burst strength from about 300 to about 500 kPa, often from about 350 to about 475 kPa (as measured using standard test method ISO 2758); a bending value from about 3 mm to about 20 mm, often from about 5 mm to about 15 mm; a water vapor transmission of less than about 0.05 g/m2·day, often less than about 0.02 g/m2·day (as measured using standard test method ASTM ES6); and an O2 permeability of less than about 0.05 cc/m2·day·bar, often less than about 0.02 cc/m2·day·bar (as measured using standard test method ASTM D3985). A representative example of a sealing membrane structure for providing a peal seal is
Aluthene® 40 II E 133/6 (Alcan Packaging, Selestat, France). - The sealing membranes described herein allow hair colorants, and particularly permanent hair dye formulations that are highly reactive due to their substantial content of ammonium hydroxide, as well as other aggressive products, to be stored in plastic and laminate tubes. Those having skill in the art, with the knowledge gained from the present disclosure, will recognize the applicability of the packages, containers, sealing membranes, and associated methods described herein to the storage and dispensing of various other aggressive products including acidic or alkaline products, or otherwise industrial or household products such as solvents (e.g., drain cleaner) and cleaning products (e.g., mildew removers). It will also be appreciated that various changes can be made in these compositions and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The subject matter described herein is therefore representative of the present invention and its associated advantages and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
- The following examples are set forth as representative of the present invention. These examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as these and other equivalent embodiments will be apparent in view of the present disclosure and appended claims.
- “Peel seal” membranes structures, comprising an ionomer inner layer and aluminum barrier layer, were tested for their ability to store hair colorant product containing ammonium hydroxide over extended periods. These membranes were heat sealed to tubes made of high density polyethylene and containing the product, and the sealed tubes were maintained either at ambient temperature or at 45° C. in an oven. The condition of the tubes was observed after 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of storage.
- Systematically, the peel seal lost adhesion and “delaminated” from the tube orifice or opening. The result was a leaking tube and seal failure. Moreover, before delamination some discoloration was observed on the outside of the tube head that may be explained by migration of components of the hair colorant formulation into and across the peel seal, likely at the edges in the zone of adhesion between the membrane and the tube orifice. Neither of these failure modes (catastrophic delamination, or leakage) was observed immediately after manufacture, but instead became apparent after weeks or months of storage at both ambient temperature and at the elevated temperature, in the “accelerated” testing. The delaminated and discolored seal membranes are shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B . The discolored tubular containers are shown inFIG. 4C . - Replacement of the ionomer based seal membrane, described above in Comparative Example 1, with a seal membrane made of
Aluthene® 40 II E 133/6 (Alcan Packaging, Selestat, France) resulted in successful storage of the same hair colorants tested in this comparative example, for comparable time periods at both ambient and elevated temperatures. The tested seal membrane comprises an inner layer comprising a blend of a low density polyethylene having a density of 0.92 g/cm3 and polypropylene as an anti-cohesion additive, and having a weight of 30 g/m2, a middle bather layer comprising soft aluminum having a thickness of 37 micrometers, an adhesive layer having a thickness of 3 micrometers, and an external layer made of a polyester film having a thickness of 12 micrometers. The sealing membrane and tubular container failure modes illustrated inFIGS. 4A , 4B, and 4C were not observed. The sealing membrane/container package was acceptable for storage of the aggressive hair colorant, based on no observed (i) discoloration, (ii) delamination of the inner layer or sealing membrane generally, and (iii) migration of the product to inside the sealing membrane.
Claims (20)
1. A packaged product comprising:
(a) a container having an opening;
(b) a product within the container and comprising a reactive ingredient selected from the group consisting of an inorganic hydroxide, an inorganic halide, and a peroxide; and
(c) a sealing membrane covering the opening and having an inner layer comprising a blend of polyethylene (PE) with an anti-cohesion additive and a bather layer.
2. The packaged product of claim 1 , wherein the container comprises plastic.
3. The packaged product of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the container comprises a laminate.
4. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the container does not comprise aluminum.
5. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the container has a circular or oval-shaped cross section.
6. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the reactive ingredient is an inorganic hydroxide.
7. The packaged product of claim 6 , wherein the inorganic hydroxide is ammonium hydroxide.
8. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the product is a hair colorant.
9. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the inner layer has a thickness from about 10 to about 60 microns.
10. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the barrier layer is an aluminum foil layer in contact with the inner layer.
11. The packaged product of claim 10 , wherein the aluminum foil layer has a thickness from about 12 to about 45 microns.
12. The packaged product of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the sealing membrane further comprises an external layer in contact with the aluminum foil layer.
13. The packaged product of claim 12 , wherein the inner layer has a weight from about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter (g/m2) and the external layer has a weight from about 1 to about 15 g/m2.
14. A package for dispensing a product comprising a reactive ingredient selected from the group consisting of an inorganic hydroxide, an inorganic halide, and a peroxide, the package comprising:
(a) a container having an opening; and
(b) a sealing membrane covering the opening and having an inner layer comprising a blend of polyethylene (PE) with an anti-cohesion additive, in contact with the container, and a barrier layer.
15. The package of claim 14 , wherein the opening has an area of less than about 50% of a cross-sectional area of the container.
16. A method for dispensing product, the method comprising:
(a) peeling the sealing membrane from the opening of the container of the packaged product of claim 1 , and
(b) squeezing the container to dispense the product,
wherein (a) and (b) are performed using manual forces.
17. A sealing membrane for covering an opening of a container having a product disposed therein, wherein the product comprises a reactive ingredient selected from the group consisting of an inorganic hydroxide, an inorganic halide, and a peroxide, the sealing membrane comprising an inner layer of modified polyethylene (PE) in contact with the container and a barrier layer.
18. The sealing membrane of claim 16 , having a total weight from about 100 to about 200 grams per square meter (g/m2), a total thickness from about 50 to about 200 microns, a tensile strength from about 35 to about 75 N/15 mm, an elongation from about 5 to about 10%, a burst strength from about 300 to about 500 kPa, a water vapor transmission of less than 0.05 g/m2·day and an O2 permeability of less than 0.05 cc/m2·day·bar.
19. A method of making a packaged product, the method comprising:
adhering an inner layer of a sealing membrane to a container, to cover an opening of the container,
the container having disposed therein a product comprising a reactive ingredient selected from the group consisting of an inorganic hydroxide, an inorganic halide, and a peroxide, wherein the inner layer of the sealing membrane comprises modified polyethylene (PE).
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the inner layer of the sealing member is adhered such that manual peeling forces are sufficient to remove the sealing membrane from the container.
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US12/841,685 US20110017772A1 (en) | 2009-07-24 | 2010-07-22 | Container and Sealing Membrane for Packaging of Reactive Products |
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Legal Events
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---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALCAN PACKAGING BEAUTY SERVICES, FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JACOULET, MARIE-PAULE;MAURICE, THIERRY;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100830 TO 20100915;REEL/FRAME:025100/0956 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |