PACKAGING WITH AN ANTIBACTERIAL COATING

Abstract

Packaging for storing and displaying raw wet protein portions is described. In particular, the packaging has: a housing for containing one or more portions of raw wet protein; an antibacterial coating on a surface of the housing; and a tracer indicating presence of the coating. A system and method for coating the packaging is disclosed as well as a method of detecting antibacterial food packaging.

Claims

1. Packaging for storing and displaying raw wet protein portions, said packaging comprising: a housing for containing one or more portions of raw wet protein; an antibacterial coating on a surface of the housing; and a tracer indicating presence of the coating.

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial coating is provided on an exterior surface of the housing.

3. Packaging according to claim 2, wherein the antibacterial coating is provided on all exterior surfaces of the housing.

4. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the coating is transparent.

5. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial coating comprises silver ions.

6. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is a photosensitive tracer.

7. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is sensitive to infra-red light.

8. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is a luminescent tracer.

9. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is combined with or intrinsic to the antibacterial coating.

10. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is provided as a coating to the housing.

11. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is sensitive to exposure to variations in atmospheric conditions.

12. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tracer is sensitive to exposure to temperature variations.

13. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a self-standing flexible pouch.

14. Packaging according to claim 1, further comprising a closure, said closure sealing the housing wherein the tracer indicates opening of the closure.

15. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a laminate having several layers and the antibacterial coating is provided onto one or more layer of the laminate.

16. Packaging according to claim 15, wherein the tracer is provided onto one or more layer of the laminate.

17. A method of detecting antibacterial food packaging, said method comprising the steps of: providing packaging according to any preceding claim; providing a reader for detecting presence of the tracer, wherein a positive indication of presence of the tracer indicates presence of the antibacterial coating.

18. A system for applying a coating to a housing for sealing a wet protein food product, said system comprising: a plurality of cylinders for applying one or more coatings to the housing, said one or more coating comprising an antibacterial coating and a tracer indicating the presence of the antibacterial coating.

19. A method for applying an antibacterial coating to a plastics housing, said method comprising: providing a reservoir containing an antibacterial solution; providing one or more cylinders for guiding the plastics film; submerging at least one cylinder within the reservoir to coat the exterior surface of the cylinder with the antibacterial solution; and guiding the plastics film over the exterior surface to coat a surface of the film with the antibacterial solution.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which

[0050] FIG. 1A is a schematic of packaging having a film with an antibacterial coating according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 1B illustrates a sealed food product packaging according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 1C illustrates an empty opened pouch of FIG. 1B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0053] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic of an embodiment of a system for coating a housing with an antibacterial coating;

[0054] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic of an alternative embodiment of a system for coating a housing with an antibacterial coating;

[0055] FIG. 4A is a detector configured to detect the presence of a tracer indicating application of the antibacterial film for a film that does not have an antibacterial coating; and

[0056] FIG. 4B is a detector configured to detect the presence of a tracer indicating application of the antibacterial film for a film that does have an antibacterial coating.

[0057] It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0058] FIG. 1A shows packaging 100 for storing and presenting food stuffs, in particular for raw wet protein portions. The packaging comprises a tray 110 with a substantially flat bottomed portion 112 and a film 120 configured to form a closure to seal the tray 110. The film 120 is located against a lip 122 of the tray and is typically heat shrunk against the tray to melt the film 120 to the tray 110. The tray typically is used to contain and present raw wet protein food stuffs, such as poultry, more particularly chicken.

[0059] The film 120 is typically a laminate film (although a standard film may be used) and is made from a combination of one or more plastics, such as polyethylene (PET) and its derivatives and/or polyester (CPP) and its derivatives. The type and composition of the plastics used can be tailored to the required application. Some plastics are more suitable to heat shrinking, whilst others are better to print graphics and text to.

[0060] The film is treated with an antibacterial coating 130. The antibacterial coating 130 is typically a composition containing silver ions, although chemical compositions, such as triclosan, may be used. The antibacterial coating 130 ensures that any stray food stuffs from within the tray 110 and not sealed by the film 120, for example, contaminants during packaging of the food stuffs into the tray 110 prior to sealing, do not pose a bacterial contamination threat.

[0061] The antibacterial coating 130 is typically applied as will be described below in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3. The antibacterial coating 130 is typically a powder containing the antibacterial agent, which is combined with a solvent to dissolve the powder and to aid even coating when applied to a plastics film. In addition, a lacquer is typically used to ensure a smooth finish. The coating 130 is typically dried or cured onto the film 120 as will be described below.

[0062] Additionally, the antibacterial coating 130 can contain a tracer that acts as a marker to provide proof that the antibacterial coating 130 has been successfully applied to the film 120. Such tracers may be photosensitive compounds, such as reflective compounds configured to reflect light of a known wavelength, luminescent markers, or the like. For laminate films 120, the tracer may be applied to the same layer or side of the film 120 as the antibacterial coating 130, or it may be applied to different layers or sides. Additionally, the tracer may be combined with the antibacterial coating 130.

[0063] FIG. 1B shows an alternative embodiment of packaging for storing and presenting food stuffs, in particular for raw wet protein portions. FIG. 1B shows a food product 140 according to aspects of the present invention. The product 140 has a pouch 142 with an opening 144. The opening 144 allows access to the interior of the pouch 142 into which portions of raw wet protein portions 14 may be placed. The product 140 also has a transparent window or portion 146 through which the portions 14 can be viewed by a consumer. It can be appreciated that the size, transparency and presence of the transparent portion may be tailored for different food products. The product 140 also features a tear strip 148 that allows for removal of a top portion 150 of the pouch 142 after the pouch has been sealed, allowing access to the contents of the pouch 142.

[0064] The pouch 142 of the food product 140 is provided with a base portion 152 that is at least as wide as the opening 144. This allows the food product 140 to be self-supporting or upstanding so that it can be placed onto a shelf vertically, displaying the contents or labelling of the pouch 142 to a consumer. As shown, the pouch 142 is generally taller than its width and depth to create the illusion that the pouch 142 is standing whilst on display. The pouch 142 may be tapered, that is the opening 144 may be smaller than the base portion 152, but generally the opening 144 and base portion 152 are the same size.

[0065] The opening 144 is shown as running along the upper length of the pouch 142, however it can be appreciated that the opening may be smaller in size and only allow access across a portion of the upper surface 150 of the pouch 142. Additionally or alternatively, the opening 144 may be provided at least partially on the side wall of the pouch 142 to create a side or corner opening.

[0066] The pouch 142 is typically made from a laminate structure comprising several layers such as polypropylene contacting the raw wet protein portions and polyester as an outer layer to provide strength to the pouch and a printable surface. Barrier layers such as aluminum foil and abrasion resistance layers such as nylon may also be provided. This construction allows the pouch 142 to be flexible whilst self-standing or self-supporting. It also allows the pouch 142 to be flattened when empty.

[0067] FIG. 1C shows the food product 140 of FIG. 1B after the mouth or opening 144 of the pouch 142 has been sealed. In the example shown, the top portion 150 of the pouch 142 above the tear strip 148 has been heat sealed to bond the opening 144 closed. Accordingly, the closure 154 is integral with the pouch 142. It can be appreciated that other closures may be used including a zipper. Use of a zipper allows for resealing of the pouch 142 after opening. The pouch 142 is provided with an antibacterial coating (not shown) provided on the external surface of the pouch 142. Label information and graphical information can be printed directly onto the external surface of the pouch providing a cleaner and neater finished look to the product 140. Such information is provided vertically to allow consumers to view the information easily when the product is stacked vertically and self-standing on a shelf.

[0068] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 200 for applying an antibacterial coating 130 to a housing, typically a film 210 for application on either a tray or for manufacture into pouches. It can be appreciated that the film 210 may have been processed in printing and/or lamination systems and processes prior to being provided to the system 200.

[0069] The general process is a gravure printing system. The film 210 is passed through the system 200 in the direction shown 212 by an impression cylinder 220 rotating in an anticlockwise direction 222 (in this example). Concomitantly, a gravure cylinder 240 is immersed within a reservoir 232 in which an antibacterial solution 230 is provided. Rotation of the gravure cylinder 240 collects antibacterial solution 230 into the surface 242 of the gravure cylinder 240. The surface 242 becomes impregnated with antibacterial solution 230. A doctor blade 260 removes excess solution 230 from the surface 242 and returns it to the reservoir 232. A core 244 coupled to a drive mechanism rotates the surface 242 in the direction shown 245. The gravure cylinder 240 and the impression cylinder 220 are configured to meet at point 246. Due to the relative movement between the cylinders 220, 240 and the saturation of antibacterial solution 230 in the surface 242 as shown by 248, the lower surface 270 of the film 210 is coated with the antibacterial solution as it is passed through the system 200.

[0070] An alternative mechanism and system 300 is shown in FIG. 3. Like references are used for like parts of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 depicts a flexo coating process. A central impression chamber 320 receives a film 310 and drives the film 310 through the system 300. It can be appreciated that the film 210 may have been processed in printing and/or lamination systems and processes prior to being provided to the system 200. Like FIG. 2, a reservoir 332 contains antibacterial solution 330 and a pick-up roller 340, with surface 342 and core 344. The roller 340 is immersed within the reservoir 332 and rotates 345 to coat and saturate the surface 342 with the antibacterial solution 330 as shown in 348.

[0071] The antibacterial solution is transferred to an anilox roller 350 via contact point 354. The anilox roller rotates 352 and contacts and transfers the antibacterial solution on its surface 356 to the surface 362, 366 of a flexo plate 360 via contact point 364 as the two rollers 350, 360 rotate relative to each other. Excess antibacterial solution on the surface 356 is removed by a doctor blade 358.

[0072] The flexo plate 360 rotates 365 and antibacterial solution present on the surface 366 of the flexo plate 360 is transferred to the surface 370 of the film 310 via contact point 368 as the film 310 is fed through the system 300. After coating, the surface 369 of the flexo plate 360 is substantially free of antibacterial coating.

[0073] Once applied to the film 210, 310 by either system 200, 300, dryers and/or curing equipment can dry/cure the coated surface 270, 370. Heat can be used as a drying agent and ultra-violet light as a curing agent.

[0074] As noted above, the antibacterial solution 240, 340 may contain a tracer compound. Alternatively, a tracer compound may be coated onto the surface of the film 210, 310 in a similar manner to that used to coat the surfaces of the film 210, 310 with antibacterial solution. A detector can be used to indicate the presence of the tracer compound. An example is shown in FIG. 4A, 4B.

[0075] FIG. 4A shows a tray 410 with a film 412 that has not been coated with the antibacterial or tracer coatings. For this example, the tracer is considered to be within the antibacterial coating. When a detector 414 is placed on the film 412, no signal is emitted by the indicator 416. This result indicates that no antibacterial coating is present because no tracer compound has been detected by the detector.

[0076] FIG. 4B shows an alternative tray 420 that has a film 422 which has been coated with the antibacterial and tracer coating. Upon placing of the detector 414 onto the surface of the film 422, the indicator 416 lights, providing an indication that the antibacterial coating is present.

[0077] The detector 414 typically operates by emitting a light of a known wavelength onto the film and detecting the presence (or absence) of transmission of the light. The wavelength may be a tightly defined wavelength, such as infra-red light. A positive result is provided if the tracer is present in the coating of the film, i.e. if the tracer transmits the emitted light back to the detector 414. Photosensitive or luminescent tracers may be used, with the detector 414 configured accordingly. A laser pen may be used with some tracer/taggant coatings, wherein visual detection is possible by analysing the reflection characteristics.

[0078] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B show a tray with a film, it can be appreciated that a similar test and result can be undertaken for other packaging, such as pouches, having an antibacterial coating on a surface of the pouch and a tracer indicating presence of the coating.

[0079] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. For example, although wireless signals are typically referred to, the skilled person would appreciate the application of the present disclosure to non-wireless signals, particularly those that utilise interleaving.

[0080] Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0081] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

[0082] For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, the term “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.