WO2018041678A1

WO2018041678A1 - Sheetlike composite for production of dimensionally stable food and drink product containers having a barrier layer of which the shinier surface faces inward

Info

Publication number: WO2018041678A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/071162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vishal Joshi
Original assignee: Sig Technology Ag
Priority date: 2016-08-29
Filing date: 2017-08-22
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Also published as: DE102016216241A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sheetlike composite comprising,as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence: a) a carrier layer; and b) a barrier layer comprising a first layer surface and a further layer surface; wherein the first layer surface a. faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and b. is characterized by a first gloss value; wherein the further layer surface A) faces away from the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and B) is characterized by a further gloss value; wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value. The invention further relates to a container precursor, to a closed container, to production processes for the aforementioned, and uses of the sheetlike composite and an aluminium foil.

Description

SHEETLIKE COMPOSITE FOR PRODUCTION OF DIMENSIONALLY STABLE FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCT CONTAINERS HAVING A BARRIER LAYER OF WHICH THE SHINIER

SURFACE FACES INWARD

The present invention relates to a sheetlike composite comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence:

a) a carrier layer; and

b) a barrier layer comprising a first layer surface and a further layer surface;

wherein the first layer surface

a. faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface

A) faces away from the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value. The invention further relates to a container precursor, to a closed container, to production processes for the aforementioned, and uses of the sheetlike composite and an aluminium foil.

For some time, food and drink products, whether they be food and drink products for human consumption or else animal feed products, have been conserved by storing them either in a can or in a jar closed by a lid. In this case, shelf life can be increased firstly by separately and very substantially sterilizing the food or drink product and the container in each case, here the jar or can, and then introducing the food or drink product into the container and closing the container. However, these measures of increasing the shelf life of food and drink products, which have been tried and tested over a long period, have a series of disadvantages, for example the need for another sterilization later on. Cans and jars, because of their essentially cylindrical shape, have the disadvantage that very dense and space-saving storage is not possible. Moreover, cans and jars have considerable intrinsic weight, which leads to increased energy expenditure in transport. In addition, production of glass, tinplate or aluminium, even when the raw materials used for this purpose are recycled, necessitates quite a high expenditure of energy. In the case of jars, an additional aggravating factor is elevated expenditure on transport. The jars are usually prefabricated in a glass factory and then have to be transported to the facility where the food and drink products are dispensed with utilization of considerable transport volumes. Furthermore, jars and cans can be opened only with considerable expenditure of force or with the aid of tools and hence in a rather laborious manner. In the case of cans, there is a high risk of injury emanating from sharp edges that arise on opening. In the case of jars, it is a regular occurrence that broken glass gets into the food or drink product in the course of filling or opening of the filled jars, which can lead in the worst case to internal injuries on consumption of the food or drink product. In addition, both cans and jars have to be labelled for identification and promotion of the food or drink product contents. The jars and cans cannot be printed directly with information and promotional messages. In addition to the actual printing, a substrate for the printing, a paper or suitable film, and a securing means, an adhesive or sealant, are thus needed.

Other packaging systems are known from the prior art, in order to store food and drink products over a long period with minimum impairment. These are containers produced from sheet like composites - frequently also referred to as laminates. Sheetlike composites of this kind are frequently constructed from a thermoplastic plastic layer, a carrier layer usually consisting of cardboard or paper which imparts dimensional stability to the container, an adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and a further plastic layer, as disclosed inter alia in WO 90/09926 A2. Since the carrier layer imparts dimensional stability to the container manufactured from the laminate, these containers, by contrast with film bags, can be regarded as a further development of the aforementioned jars and cans.

In this context, these laminate containers already have many advantages over the conventional jars and cans. Nevertheless, there are also opportunities for improvement in the case of these packaging systems. For instance, there is a constant need for a maximum shelf life of food and drink products in the laminate containers. In this context, the food or drink products should not just be storable in the laminate container in a non-perishable manner for as long as possible, but the flavour, odour, colour and composition of the food or drink product should also be impaired to a minimum degree during the period of storage.

US 46802500 A discloses the production of an aluminium foil having a rough side and a smooth side. There is no disclosure of the orientation with which the aluminium foil should be used in a composite material. Moreover, there is no disclosure of how a lower oxygen transmission rate of the composite material can be achieved.

In EP 1507660 Bl, an aluminium foil is used in a composite material and pretreated with a flame. There is no disclosure of how exactly the aluminium foil is used in a composite material. Furthermore, there is also no disclosure here of how a lower oxygen transmission rate of the composite material can be achieved.

In general terms, it is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome a drawback that arises from the prior art. It is a further object of the invention to provide a dimensionally stable food or drink product container in which a food or drink product can be stored with a longer shelf life. At the same time, the food or drink product can preferably be stored in the dimensionally stable food or drink product container over a longer period with minimum impairment of the sensory properties of the food or drink product. The sensory properties here preferably relate to the taste, odour, colour or composition of the food or drink product. Preferably, the above objects are at least partly achieved by very as simple as possible, material-saving or inexpensive alterations compared to a prior art food or drink product container. Preferably, the above objects are at least partly achieved by the use of a sheet like composite having a barrier layer comprising an aluminium foil known in the prior art.

A contribution to the at least partial achievement of at least one of the above objects is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments that contribute to the at least partial achievement of at least one of the objects. A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a sheetlike composite A comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence:

a) a carrier layer; and

wherein the first layer surface

a. faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface

A) faces away from the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value.

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to embodiment 1 , wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value by at least 100 GU, preferably by at least 130 GU, more preferably by at least 150 GU, more preferably by at least 180 GU, most preferably by at least 200 GU.

In one embodiment 3 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the further gloss value is in a range from 200 to 360 GU, preferably from 240 to 360 GU, more preferably from 280 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 350 GU, most preferably from 320 to 340 GU.

In one embodiment 4 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the further layer surface has more striae than the first layer surface. The first layer surface preferably has no striae. The striae preferably run in a direction of orientation in which the striae are essentially linear. In this context, a number of striae per 0.5 mm on the further layer surface is more than a number of striae per 0.5 mm on the first layer surface at least by a factor of 2, preferably 3, more preferably 4, if the first layer surface has striae, measured in each case on the layer surface in a direction at right angle to the direction of orientation.

In one embodiment 5 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the barrier layer comprises a metal. The barrier layer preferably comprises the metal in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70%) by weight, more preferably at least 80%> by weight, more preferably at least 90%> by weight, most preferably at least 95% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the barrier layer. The metal may be present here in elemental form, for example in an alloy, or in a compound, preferably a metal oxide. A particularly preferred barrier layer consists of one selected from the group comprising a metal, an alloy and a metal oxide or from a combination of at least two of these.

In one embodiment 6 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to embodiment 5, wherein the metal is aluminium.

In one embodiment 7 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the layer sequence comprises a first polymer layer between the carrier layer and the barrier layer.

In one embodiment 8 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an inner polymer layer, wherein the inner polymer layer is superposed on the barrier layer on the further layer surface. Preferably, the inner polymer layer comprises a polymer prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst to an extent of 10%) to 90%) by weight, preferably to an extent of 25% to 90%> by weight, more preferably to an extent of 30% to 80% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. In a further preferred embodiment, the inner polymer layer comprises a polymer blend, wherein the polymer blend comprises an mPE to an extent of 10% to 90% by weight, preferably to an extent of 20% to 90% by weight, more preferably to an extent of 30% to 80% by weight, and a further polymer to an extent of at least 10% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 15% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the polymer blend.

In one embodiment 9 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sheetlike composite comprises a groove. The sheetlike composite preferably comprises a multitude of grooves. The grooves are preferably arranged and designed for folding along the grooves for production of longitudinal edges, a top region and a base region of a container.

In one embodiment 10 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sheetlike composite comprises a fold. The sheetlike composite preferably comprises at least 3, preferably at least 4 and more preferably at least 6, folds.

In one embodiment 11 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sheetlike composite is characterized by an oxygen transmission rate, determined by the method described herein, in a range from 0.85 to 1.09 cm³/(m²-d-bar), preferably from 0.85 to 1.05 cm³/(m²-d-bar), more preferably from 0.89 to 1.05 cm³/(m²-d-bar), most preferably from 0.89 to 1.01 cm³/(m²-d-bar).

In one embodiment 12 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an outer polymer layer, wherein the outer polymer layer is superposed on the carrier layer on a side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. A preferred outer polymer layer comprises an LDPE to an extent of at least 50% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 60% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably to an extent of at least 80% by weight, most preferably to an extent of at least 90%> by weight, based in each case on the weight of the outer polymer layer.

In one embodiment 13 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the carrier layer has at least one hole, the hole being covered at least by the barrier layer. The hole is preferably further covered by the inner polymer layer or the outer polymer layer or both. Layers which cover the hole are referred to herein as hole-covering layers. If at least 2 hole-covering layers are present, the hole-covering layers, in the hole, preferably form a layer sequence of layers joined to one another in the hole.

In one embodiment 14 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the layer sequence further comprises a colour application, wherein the colour application is superposed on the carrier layer on a side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. The colour application is preferably superposed on the outer polymer layer on a side of the outer polymer layer facing away from the carrier layer.

In one embodiment 15 of the invention, the sheetlike composite A is configured according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the carrier layer comprises, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two of these.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a sheetlike composite B comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence:

a) a carrier layer; and

b) a barrier layer;

wherein the sheetlike composite is characterized by an oxygen transmission rate, determined by the method described herein, in a range from 0.85 to 1.09 cm³/(m²-d-bar), preferably from 0.85 to 1.05 cm³/(m²-d-bar), more preferably from 0.89 to 1.05 cm³/(m²-d-bar), most preferably from 0.89 to 1.01 cm³/(m²-d-bar).

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to embodiment 1, wherein the barrier layer comprises a metal. The barrier layer preferably comprises the metal in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, most preferably at least 95% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the barrier layer. The metal may be present here in elemental form, for example in an alloy, or in a compound, preferably a metal oxide. A particularly preferred barrier layer consists of one selected from the group comprising a metal, an alloy and a metal oxide or from a combination of at least two of these.

In one embodiment 3 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to embodiment 2, wherein the metal is aluminium. In one embodiment 4 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of its preceding embodiments, wherein the barrier layer comprises a first layer surface and a further layer surface; wherein the first layer surface

a. faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface

A) faces away from the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value.

In one embodiment 5 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to embodiment 4, wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value by at least 100 GU, preferably by at least 130 GU, more preferably by at least 150 GU, more preferably by at least 180 GU, most preferably by at least 200 GU.

In one embodiment 6 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the further gloss value is in a range from 200 to 360 GU, preferably from 240 to 360 GU, more preferably from 280 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 350 GU, most preferably from 320 to 340 GU.

In one embodiment 7 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein the further layer surface has more striae than the first layer surface. The first layer surface preferably has no striae. The striae preferably run in a direction of orientation in which the striae are essentially linear. In this context, a number of striae per 0.5 mm on the further layer surface is more than a number of striae per 0.5 mm on the first layer surface at least by a factor of 2, preferably 3, more preferably 4, if the first layer surface has striae, measured in each case on the layer surface in a direction at right angle to the direction of orientation.

In one embodiment 8 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the layer sequence comprises a first polymer layer between the carrier layer and the barrier layer.

In one embodiment 9 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an inner polymer layer, wherein the inner polymer layer is superposed on the barrier layer on the further layer surface. Preferably, the inner polymer layer comprises a polymer prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst to an extent of 10% to 90%) by weight, preferably to an extent of 25% to 90%> by weight, more preferably to an extent of 30% to 80% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. In a further preferred embodiment, the inner polymer layer comprises a polymer blend, wherein the polymer blend comprises an mPE to an extent of 10% to 90% by weight, preferably to an extent of 20% to 90% by weight, more preferably to an extent of 30% to 80% by weight, and a further polymer to an extent of at least 10% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 15%) by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 20%> by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the polymer blend.

In one embodiment 10 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the sheetlike composite comprises a growe. The sheetlike composite preferably comprises a multitude of grooves. The grooves are preferably arranged and designed for folding along the grooves for production of longitudinal edges, a top region and a base region of a container. In one embodiment 11 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the sheetlike composite comprises a fold. The sheetlike composite preferably comprises at least 3, preferably at least 4 and more preferably at least 6, folds.

In one embodiment 12 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an outer polymer layer, wherein the outer polymer layer is superposed on the carrier layer on a side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. A preferred outer polymer layer comprises an LDPE to an extent of at least 50% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 60% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably to an extent of at least 80% by weight, most preferably to an extent of at least 90%> by weight, based in each case on the weight of the outer polymer layer.

In one embodiment 13 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the carrier layer has at least one hole, the hole being covered at least by the barrier layer. The hole is preferably further covered by the inner polymer layer or the outer polymer layer or both. Layers which cover the hole are referred to herein as hole-covering layers. If at least 2 hole-covering layers are present, the hole-covering layers, in the hole, preferably form a layer sequence of layers joined to one another in the hole.

In one embodiment 14 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the layer sequence further comprises an colour application, wherein the colour application is superposed on the carrier layer on a side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. The colour application is preferably superposed on the outer polymer layer on a side of the outer polymer layer facing away from the carrier layer.

In one embodiment 15 of the invention, the sheetlike composite B is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the carrier layer comprises, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two of these. A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process A comprising, as process steps,

a) providing

i) a carrier layer,

ii) a barrier layer comprising a first layer surface and a further layer surface; and

b) superposing the carrier layer with the barrier layer;

wherein the first layer surface

a. faces the carrier layer, and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface

A) faces away from the carrier layer, and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value. Preferably, in process step b), the carrier layer is joined to the barrier layer, preferably via a first polymer layer. In this case, the first polymer layer is preferably introduced between the carrier layer and the barrier layer by lamination.

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the process A is configured according to embodiment 1 , wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value by at least 100 GU, preferably by at least 130 GU, more preferably by at least 150 GU, more preferably by at least 180 GU, most preferably by at least 200 GU.

In one embodiment 3 of the invention, the process A is configured according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the further gloss value is in a range from 200 to 360 GU, preferably from 240 to 360 GU, more preferably from 280 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 350 GU, most preferably from 320 to 340 GU.

In one embodiment 4 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein, in process step b), a first polymer composition is introduced between the carrier layer and the barrier layer. A preferred first polymer composition is a polymer melt. The first polymer composition is preferably introduced by lamination.

In one embodiment 5 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the process further comprises a process step of c) superposing the further layer surface with an inner polymer composition.

Preferably, the inner polymer composition is a polymer melt. Preferably, the inner polymer composition comprises a polymer prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst to an extent of 10% to 90% by weight, preferably to an extent of 25% to 90%) by weight, more preferably to an extent of 30%> to 80%> by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer composition. In a further preferred embodiment, the inner polymer composition comprises a polymer blend, wherein the polymer blend comprises an mPE to an extent of 10% to 90% by weight, preferably to an extent of 20% to 90% by weight, more preferably to an extent of 30% to 80% by weight, and a further polymer to an extent of at least 10% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 15% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 20% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the polymer blend. A preferred superposing is effected by extrusion of the inner polymer composition.

In one embodiment 7 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the further layer surface has more striae than the first layer surface. The first layer surface preferably has no striae. The striae preferably run in a direction of orientation in which the striae are essentially linear. In this context, a number of striae per 0.5 mm on the further layer surface is more than a number of striae per 0.5 mm on the first layer surface at least by a factor of 2, preferably 3, more preferably 4, if the first layer surface has striae, measured in each case on the layer surface in a direction at right angle to the direction of orientation.

In one embodiment 8 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the barrier layer comprises a metal. The barrier layer preferably comprises the metal in a proportion of at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 90% by weight, most preferably at least 95% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the barrier layer. The metal may be present here in elemental form, for example in an alloy, or in a compound, preferably a metal oxide. A particularly preferred barrier layer consists of one selected from the group comprising a metal, an alloy, and a metal oxide, or from a combination of at least two of these. In one embodiment 9 of the invention, the process A is configured according to embodiment 8, wherein the metal is aluminium.

In one embodiment 10 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein, in an additional process step, a groove is produced in the carrier layer. Preferably, the groove is produced in the additional process step with a grooving tool. In this case, the aforementioned additional process step may precede or follow process step b). In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned additional process step is effected downstream of process step b), preferably downstream of process step c), wherein a sheetlike composite comprising the carrier layer and the barrier layer is obtained upstream of the additional process step; wherein the groove in the sheetlike composite is produced in the additional process step. Preferably, the sheetlike composite comprises, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence, in a direction from an outer surface of the sheetlike composite to an inner surface of the sheetlike composite: the carrier layer and the barrier layer. Further preferably, the groove is produced in the additional process step by contact of a grooving tool with the outer surface of the sheetlike composite. In a further preferred embodiment, the additional process step precedes the further process step below. In one embodiment 11 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein, in a further process step, the carrier layer is superposed with an outer polymer composition on a side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer after process step b). The aforementioned further process step may precede or follow or be effected simultaneously with or overlapping in time with process step b). In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned further process step precedes process step b). A preferred outer polymer composition is a polymer melt. A preferred outer polymer composition comprises an LDPE to an extent of at least 50% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 60% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 70% by weight, even more preferably to an extent of at least 80% by weight, most preferably to an extent of at least 90%> by weight, based in each case on the weight of the outer polymer composition. A preferred superposing is by extrusion of the outer polymer composition.

In one embodiment 12 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the carrier layer has at least one hole, the hole being covered at least by the barrier layer in process step b). The hole is preferably further covered by the inner polymer composition in process step c) or by the outer polymer composition in a further process step or by both.

In one embodiment 13 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the carrier layer is superposed with a colour application on one side of the carrier layer facing from the barrier layer after process step b). The superposition with the colour application is preferably effected as a printing operation, preferably flexographic printing or intaglio printing or both. The superposition with the colour application may precede or follow process step b). In a preferred embodiment, the superposition with the colour application precedes process step b), preferably the aforementioned further process step, further preferably the aforementioned additional process step. In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the superposition with the colour application follows process step b), preferably process step c).

In one embodiment 14 of the invention, the process A is configured according to any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the carrier layer comprises, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, and paper, or a combination of at least two of these. A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a sheetlike composite C obtainable by the process A according to any of its embodiments 1 to 14. In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the sheetlike composite C is configured according to its embodiment 1 , wherein the sheetlike composite is characterized by an oxygen transmission rate, determined by the method described herein, in a range from 0.85 to 1.09 cm³/(m²-d-bar), preferably from 0.85 to 1.05 cm³/(m²-d-bar), more preferably from 0.89 to 1.05 cm³/(m²-d-bar), most preferably from 0.89 to 1.01 cm³/(m²-d-bar).

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a container precursor A comprising the sheetlike composite A, B or C, each according to one of its above-described embodiments. The container precursor preferably consists of the sheetlike composite to an extent of at least 50% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 70% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 90% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 95% by weight, most preferably to an extent of 100% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the container precursor. It is preferable here that the sheetlike composite A, B or C takes the form of two or more layers on a roll.

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the container precursor A is configured according to its embodiment 1 , wherein the sheetlike composite has at least 2 folds, preferably at least 3 folds, preferably at least 4 folds. The aforementioned folds are preferably longitudinal folds. A preferred longitudinal fold forms a longitudinal edge of the container precursor.

In one embodiment 3 of the invention, the container precursor A is configured according to its embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the sheet like composite is a blank for production of a single container.

In one embodiment 4 of the invention, the container precursor A is configured according to any of its embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the sheet like composite comprises a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge, wherein the first longitudinal edge is joined to the further longitudinal edge thereby forming a longitudinal seam of the container precursor.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a closed container A comprising the sheetlike composite A, B or C, each according to one of its above-described embodiments. The closed container preferably consists of the sheetlike composite to an extent of at least 50% by weight, preferably to an extent of at least 70% by weight, more preferably to an extent of at least 90% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the closed container without filling.

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the closed container A is configured according to its embodiment 1, wherein the closed container has at least 2, preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 6, more preferably at least 8, more preferably at least 10 and most preferably at least 12, edges.

In one embodiment 3 of the invention, the closed container A is configured according to its embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the sheetlike composite comprises a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge, wherein the first longitudinal edge is joined to the further longitudinal edge thereby forming a longitudinal seam of the container precursor.

In one embodiment 4 of the invention, the closed container A is configured according to any of its embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the closed container contains a food or drink product.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process B comprising, as process steps,

A. providing the sheetlike composite A, B or C, each according to one of its embodiments,

wherein the sheetlike composite comprises a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge;

B folding the sheetlike composite; and C. contacting and joining the first longitudinal edge to the further longitudinal edge thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam.

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the process B is configured according to its embodiment 1, wherein process step B. is preceded by producing a groove in the carrier layer or in the sheet like composite or in both, wherein the folding in process step B. is effected along the groove.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a container precursor B, obtainable by process B in its embodiment 1 or 2.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a process C comprising, as process steps,

I. providing the container precursor A or B, each according to one of its embodiments,

II. forming a base region of the container precursor by folding the sheetlike composite;

III. closing the base region;

IV. filling the container precursor with a food or drink product; and

V. closing the container precursor in a top region thereby obtaining a closed container.

In one embodiment 2 of the invention, the process C is configured according to its embodiment 1, wherein the process further comprises a process step VI. joining the closed container to an opening aid.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a closed container B, obtainable by the process C in its embodiment 1 or 2.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use A of the sheetlike composite A, B or C, each according to one of its above-described embodiments, for production of a container filled with a food or drink product.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an embodiment 1 of a use B of an aluminium foil comprising a first layer surface and a further layer surface for production of a sheet like composite comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence:

a) a carrier layer; and

b) a barrier layer comprising the aluminium foil;

wherein the first layer surface

a. faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface

A) faces away from the carrier layer in the layer sequence, and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value. Preferably, the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value by at least 100 GU, preferably by at least 130 GU, more preferably by at least 150 GU, more preferably by at least 180 GU, most preferably by at least 200 GU. Further preferably, the further gloss value is in a range from 200 to 360 GU, preferably from 240 to 360 GU, more preferably from 280 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 360 GU, more preferably from 300 to 350 GU, most preferably from 320 to 340 GU.

Features described as preferred in one category of the invention are equally preferred in one embodiment of the further categories of the invention.

Layers of the sheetlike composite

The layers of the layer sequence have been joined to one another. Two layers have been joined to one another when their adhesion to one another extends beyond van der Waals attraction forces. Layers joined to one another are preferably layers selected from the group consisting of mutually sealed, mutually glued, and mutually compressed layers, or a combination of at least two thereof. Unless stated otherwise, in a layer sequence, the layers may follow one another indirectly, i.e. with one or at least two interlayers, or directly, i.e. without an interlayer. This is especially the case in the form of words in which one layer is superposed on another layer. A form of words in which a layer sequence comprises enumerated layers means that at least the layers specified are present in the sequence specified. This form of words does not necessarily mean that these layers immediately follow one another. A form of words in which two layers adjoin one another means that these two layers lie directly one on top of the other and hence without an interlayer. However, this form of words does not make any stipulation as to whether the two layers are joined to one another or not. Instead, these two layers may be in contact with one another.

Polymer layers

The term "polymer layer" hereinafter relates especially to the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer. A preferred polymer is a polyolefm. The polymer layers may include further constituents. The polymer layers are preferably introduced into or applied to the sheetlike composite material in an extrusion process. The further constituents of the polymer layers are preferably constituents that do not adversely affect the behaviour of the polymer melt on application as a layer. The further constituents may, for example, be inorganic compounds such as metal salts or further plastics such as further thermoplastics. However, it is also conceivable that the further constituents are fillers or pigments, for example carbon black or metal oxides. Suitable thermoplastics for the further constituents especially include those that are easily processible by virtue of good extrusion characteristics. Among these, polymers obtained by chain polymerization are suitable, especially polyesters or polyolefms, particular preference being given to cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polycyclic olefin copolymers (POCs), especially polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particular preference to polyethylene. Among the polyethylenes, HDPE {high density polyethylene), MDPE {medium density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), VLDPE (very low density polyethylene) and mixtures of at least two thereof are preferred. It is also possible to use mixtures of at least two thermoplastics. Suitable polymer layers have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range from 1 to 25 g/10 min, preferably in a range from 2 to 20 g/10 min and especially preferably in a range from 2.5 to 15 g/10 min, and a density in a range from 0.890 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, preferably in a range from 0.895 g/cm³ to 0.975 g/cm³, and further preferably in a range from 0.900 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³. The polymer layers preferably have at least one melting temperature in a range from 80 to 155°C, preferably in a range from 90 to 145°C and especially preferably in a range from 95 to 135°C.

Inner polymer layer

The inner polymer layer is based on thermoplastic polymers, wherein the inner polymer layer may include a particulate inorganic solid. It is preferable, however, that the inner polymer layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer to an extent of at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight and especially preferably at least 95% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. Preferably, the polymer or polymer mixture of the inner polymer layer has a density (to ISO 1183-1 :2004) in a range from 0.900 to 0.980 g/cm³, especially preferably in a range from 0.900 to 0.960 g/cm³ and most preferably in a range from 0.900 to 0.940 g/cm³. The polymer is preferably a polyolefm, an mPolymer, or a combination of the two.

Carrier layer

The carrier layer used may be any material which seems suitable to a person skilled in the art for this purpose and which has sufficient strength and stiffness to impart stability to the container to such an extent that the container in the filled state essentially retains its shape. This is, in particular, a necessary feature of the carrier layer since the invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable containers. Dimensionally stable containers of this kind should be fundamentally distinguished from pouches and bags, which are typically made from thin films. As well as a number of plastics, preference is given to plant-based fibrous materials, especially pulps, preferably limed, bleached and/or unbleached pulps, paper and cardboard being especially preferred. Accordingly, a preferred carrier layer comprises a multitude of fibres. The basis weight of the carrier layer is preferably in a range from 120 to 450 g/m², especially preferably in a range from 130 to 400 g/m² and most preferably in a range from 150 to 380 g/m². A preferred cardboard generally has a single-layer or multilayer structure and may have been coated on one or both sides with one or else more than one cover layer. In addition, a preferred cardboard has a residual moisture content of less than 20%> by weight, preferably of 2% to 15% by weight and especially preferably of 4% to 10%> by weight, based on the total weight of the cardboard. A particularly preferred cardboard has a multilayer structure. Further preferably, the cardboard has, on the surface facing the environment, at least one lamina, but more preferably at least two laminas, of a cover layer known to the person skilled in the art as a "paper coating". In addition, a preferred cardboard has a Scott bond value in a range from 100 to 360 J/m², preferably from 120 to 350 J/m² and especially preferably from 135 to 310 J/m². By virtue of the aforementioned ranges, it is possible to provide a composite from which it is possible to fold a container with high integrity, easily and in low tolerances.

The carrier layer is characterized by a bending resistance which can be measured with a bending meter. The bending meter used is a Code 160 from Lorentzen & Wettre, Sweden. The carrier layer preferably has, in a first direction, a bending resistance in a range from 80 to 550 mN. In the case of a carrier layer comprising a multitude of fibres, the first direction is preferably an orientation direction of the fibres. A carrier layer comprising a multitude of fibres further preferably has, in a second direction at right angle to the first direction, a bending resistance in a range from 20 to 300 mN. The samples used for measurement of the bending resistance with the above measuring instrument have a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm. A preferred sheetlike composite with the carrier layer has a bending resistance in the first direction in a range from 100 to 700 mN. Further preferably, the aforementioned sheetlike composite has a bending resistance in the second direction in a range from 50 to 500 mN. The samples of the sheetlike composite used for measurement with the above measuring instrument also have a width of 38 mm and a clamping length of 50 mm.

Barrier layer

The barrier layer used may be any material which seems suitable to a person skilled in the art for this purpose and which has sufficient barrier action, especially with respect to oxygen. The barrier layer is preferably selected from

a. a metal layer;

b. a metal oxide layer; or

c. a combination of at least two from a. and b. According to alternative b., the barrier layer is a metal layer. Suitable metal layers are in principle all layers comprising metals which are known to the person skilled in the art and which can provide high light opacity and oxygen impermeability. In a preferred embodiment, the metal layer may take the form of a foil or of a deposited layer, for example after a physical gas phase deposition. The metal layer is preferably an uninterrupted layer. In a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer has a thickness in a range from 3 to 20 μιη, preferably in a range from 3.5 to 12 μιη and especially preferably in a range from 4 to 10 μιη.

Metals selected with preference are aluminium, iron or copper. A preferred iron layer may be a steel layer, for example in the form of a foil. Further preferably, the metal layer is a layer comprising aluminium. The aluminium layer may appropriately consist of an aluminium alloy, for example AlFeMn, AlFel .5Mn, AlFeSi or AlFeSiMn. The content of elemental aluminium is typically 94.5% or higher, preferably 98.5% or higher, based in each case on the overall aluminium layer. In a particular configuration, the metal layer consists of an aluminium foil. Suitable aluminium foils have a ductility of more than 1%, preferably of more than 1.3% and especially preferably of more than 1.5%, and a tensile strength of more than 30 N/mm², preferably more than 40 N/mm² and especially preferably more than 50 N/mm². Suitable aluminium foils in the pipette test show a droplet size of more than 3 mm, preferably more than 4 mm and especially preferably of more than 5 mm. Suitable alloys for creation of aluminium layers or foils are commercially available under the EN AW 1200, EN AW 8079 or EN AW 811 1 names from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH or Amcor Flexibles Singen GmbH. In the case of a metal foil as barrier layer, it is possible to provide an adhesion promoter layer between the metal foil and a closest polymer layer on one and/or both sides of the metal foil. Further preferably, the barrier layer selected, according to alternative c, may be a metal oxide layer. Useful metal oxide layers include all metal oxide layers that are familiar and seem suitable to the person skilled in the art, in order to achieve a barrier effect with respect to light, vapour and/or gas. Especially preferred are metal oxide layers based on the metals already mentioned above, aluminium, iron or copper, and those metal oxide layers based on titanium oxide or silicon oxide compounds. A metal oxide layer is produced by way of example by vapour deposition of metal oxide on a polymer layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film. A preferred method for this purpose is physical gas phase deposition.

In a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer of the metal oxide layer may take the form of a layer composite composed of one or more plastic layers with a metal layer. Such a layer is obtainable, for example, by vapour deposition of metal on a plastic layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film. A preferred method for this purpose is physical gas phase deposition.

Adhesion/adhesion promoter layer

An adhesion promoter layer may be present between layers which do not directly adjoin one another, preferably between the barrier layer and the inner polymer layer. Useful adhesion promoters in an adhesion promoter layer include all plastics which are suitable for producing a firm bond through functionalization by means of suitable functional groups, through the forming of ionic bonds or covalent bonds with a surface of a respective adjacent layer. Preferably, these comprise functionalized polyolefms which have been obtained by copolymerization of ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylate derivatives or carboxylic anhydrides that bear double bonds, for example maleic anhydride, or at least two of these. Among these, preference is given to polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymers (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA), which are sold, for example, under the Bynel^® and Nucrel^®0609HSA trade names by DuPont or Escor^®6000ExCo by ExxonMobil Chemicals.

According to the invention, it is preferable that the adhesion between a carrier layer, a polymer layer, or a barrier layer and the next layer in each case is at least 0.5 N/15mm, preferably at least 0.7 N/15mm and especially preferably at least 0.8 N/15mm. In one configuration of the invention, it is preferable that the adhesion between a polymer layer and a carrier layer is at least 0.3 N/15mm, preferably at least 0.5 N/15mm and especially preferably at least 0.7 N/15mm. It is further preferable that the adhesion between a barrier layer and a polymer layer is at least 0.8 N/ 15mm, preferably at least 1.0 N/ 15mm and especially preferably at least 1.4 N/15mm. If a barrier layer indirectly follows a polymer layer with an adhesion promoter layer in between, it is preferable that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the adhesion promoter layer is at least 1.8 N/15mm, preferably at least 2.2 N/15mm and especially preferably at least 2.8 N/15mm. In a particular configuration, the adhesion between the individual layers is sufficiently strong that a carrier layer is torn apart in an adhesion test, called a cardboard fibre tear in the case of a cardboard as carrier layer.

In one configuration of the process 1 according to the invention, it is preferable that, for further improvement of the adhesion to the barrier layer, this layer is subjected to a surface treatment, for example during the coating. Suitable processes for surface treatment known to those skilled in the art include a flame treatment, a treatment with plasma, a corona treatment or a treatment with ozone. However, there are also other conceivable processes which bring about the formation of functional groups on the surface of the treated layer. In a particular configuration, at least one of these processes is used in the lamination of metal layers, especially of metal foils.

Polyp lefin

A preferred polyo lefin is a polyethylene (PE) or a polypropylene (PP) or both. A preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an LDPE, an LLDPE, and an HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. A further preferred polyolefm is an mPolyolefin (polyolefm prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst). Suitable poly ethylenes have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range from 1 to 25 g/10 min, preferably in a range from 2 to 20 g/10 min and especially preferably in a range from 2.5 to 15 g/10 min, and a density in a range from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.935 g/cm³, preferably in a range from 0.912 g/cm³ to 0.932 g/cm³, and further preferably in a range from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³. mPolymer

An mPolymer is a polymer which has been prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst. A metallocene is an organometallic compound in which a central metal atom is arranged between two organic ligands, for example cyclopentadienyl ligands. A preferred mPolymer is an mPolyolefm, preferably an mPolyethylene or an mPolypropylene or both. A preferred mPolyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an mLDPE, an mLLDPE, and an mHDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof.

Extrusion

In the extrusion, the polymers are typically heated to temperatures of 210 to 350°C, measured on the molten polymer film beneath the exit from the extruder die. The extrusion can be effected by means of extrusion tools which are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available, for example extruders, extruder screws, feed blocks, etc. At the end of the extruder, there is preferably an opening through which the polymer melt is expressed. The opening may have any shape that allows extrusion of the polymer melt. For example, the opening may be angular, oval or round. The opening is preferably in the form of a slot of a funnel. In a preferred configuration of the method, application is effected through a slot. The slot preferably has a length in a range from 0.1 to 100 m, preferably in a range from 0.5 to 50 m, especially preferably in a range from 1 to 10 m. In addition, the slot preferably has a width in a range from 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in a range from 0.3 to 10 mm, especially preferably in a range from 0.5 to 5 mm. During the application of the polymer melt, it is preferable that the slot and the layer to which the polymer melt is to be applied (also called substrate layer hereinafter) move relative to one another. Preference is given to such a process wherein the aforementioned layer moves relative to the slot.

In a preferred extrusion coating method, the polymer melt is stretched during the application, this stretching preferably being effected by melt stretching, and most preferably by monoaxial melt stretching. For this purpose, the layer is applied to the substrate layer in the molten state by means of a melt extruder, and the layer applied, which is still in the molten state, is subsequently stretched in the preferably monoaxial direction, in order to achieve orientation of the polymer in this direction. Subsequently, the layer applied is left to cool for the purpose of heat-setting. In this context, it is especially preferable that the stretching is effected by at least the following application steps: bl . emergence of the polymer melt as a melt film through at least one extruder die slot with an emergence rate V_out; b2. application of the melt film to the substrate layer moving relative to the at least one extruder die slot with a movement rate V_for; where V_out < V_for. It is especially preferable that V_for is greater than V_out by a factor in the range from 5 to 200, especially preferably within a range from 7 to 150, further preferably in a range from 10 to 50 and most preferably in a range from 15 to 35. It is preferable here that V_for is at least 100 m/min, especially preferably at least 200 m/min and most preferably at least 350 m/min, but typically not more than 1300 m/min. Once the melt layer has been applied to the substrate layer by means of the above-described stretching process, the melt layer is left to cool down for the purpose of heat-setting, this cooling preferably being effected by quenching via contact with a surface which is kept at a temperature in a range from 5 to 50°C, especially preferably in a range from 10 to 30°C.

In a further preferred configuration, the area which has emerged is cooled down to a temperature below the lowest melting temperature of the polymers provided in this area or its flanks, and then at least the flanks of the area are separated from this area. The cooling can be effected in any manner which is familiar to the person skilled in the art and seems to be suitable. Preference is given here too to the heat- setting which has already been described above. Subsequently, at least the flanks are separated from the area. The separation can be conducted in any manner which is familiar to the person skilled in the art and seems to be suitable in order to separate the flanks quickly, cleanly and with maximum precision. Preferably, the separation is effected by means of a knife, laser beam or waterjet, or a combination of two or more thereof, the use of knives being especially preferable, especially a cup-shaped knife.

Food and drink products

The present sheetlike composite and the container precursor are preferably designed for production of a food or drink product container. In addition, the closed container according to the invention is preferably a food or drink product container. Food and drink products include all kinds of food and drink known to those skilled in the art for human consumption and also animal feeds. Preferred food and drink products are liquid above 5°C, for example milk products, soups, sauces, non-carbonated drinks.

The filling of the container or the container precursor can be effected in various ways. Firstly, the food or drink product and the container or the container precursor can separately be very substantially sterilized prior to filling by suitable measures such as the treatment of the container or the container precursor with H₂0₂, UV radiation or other suitable high-energy radiation, plasma treatment or a combination of at least two of these, and the heating of the food or drink product, and then introduced into the container or the container precursor. This mode of filling is frequently referred to as "aseptic filling" and is preferable in accordance with the invention. It is another widespread practice in addition to or else instead of aseptic filling that the container or container precursor filled with food or drink product is heated to reduce the microbe count. This is preferably effected by pasteurization or autoclaving. In the case of this procedure, it is also possible to use less sterile food and drink products and containers or container precursors.

Colourant

According to DIN 55943:2001-10, colourant is the collective term for all colouring substances, especially for dyes and pigments. A preferred colourant is a pigment. A preferred pigment is an organic pigment. Pigments that are notable in connection with the invention are especially the pigments mentioned in DIN 55943:2001-10 and those mentioned in "Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © 2004 WILEY- VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: 3-527-30576-9). A pigment is a colourant which is preferably insoluble in the application medium. A dye is a colourant which is preferably soluble in the application medium.

Container

The closed container according to the invention may have a multitude of different forms, but preference is given to an essentially cuboidal structure. In addition, the full area of the container may be formed from the sheetlike composite, or it may have a two-part or multipart construction. In the case of a multipart construction, it is conceivable that, as well as the sheetlike composite, other materials are also used, for example plastic, which can be used particularly in the top or base regions of the container. In this context, however, it is preferable that the container is formed from the sheetlike composite to an extent of at least 50%, especially preferably to an extent of at least 70% and further preferably to an extent of at least 90% of the area. In addition, the container may have a device for emptying the contents. This may be formed, for example, from a polymer or a mixture of polymers and be mounted on the outside of the container. It is also conceivable that this device has been integrated into the container by direct injection moulding. In a preferred configuration, the container according to the invention has at least one edge, preferably from 4 to 22 or else more edges, especially preferably from 7 to 12 edges. Edges in the context of the present invention are understood to mean regions which arise in the folding of a surface. Illustrative edges include longitudinal contact regions between two wall surfaces of the container in each case, also referred to as longitudinal edges herein. In the container, the container walls are preferably the surfaces of the container framed by the edges. Preferably, the interior of a container according to the invention comprises a food or drink product. Preferably, the closed container does not include a lid or base or either not formed in one piece with the sheetlike composite. A preferred closed container contains a food or drink product.

Hole

The at least one hole provided in the carrier layer in preferred embodiments may have any form which is known to the person skilled in the art and is suitable for various closures or drinking straws. Frequently, the holes are rounded in top view. For instance, the holes may be essentially circular, oval, elliptical or droplet- shaped. The shape of the at least one hole in the carrier layer usually also predetermines the shape of the orifice, which is produced in the container either by an openable closure joined to the container, through which the container contents are dispensed from the container after opening, or by a drinking straw. Thus, the orifices of the opened container frequently have shapes comparable or even identical to the at least one hole in the carrier layer. Configurations of the sheetlike composite having a single hole serve primarily for release of the food or drink product present in the container manufactured from the sheetlike composite. A further hole can especially be provided for ventilation of the container in the course of release of the food or drink product.

In connection with the coverage of the at least one hole of the carrier layer, it is preferable that the hole-covering layers are at least partly joined to one another, preferably to an extent of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight and more preferably to an extent of at least 90% by weight of the area formed by the at least one hole. It is further preferable that the hole-covering layers are joined to one another at the edges of the at least one hole and are preferably joined to the edges, in order thus to achieve improved leakproofmg over a join extending across the entire hole surface. Frequently, the hole-covering layers are joined to one another over the region formed by the at least one hole in the carrier layer. This leads to good leakproofmg of the container formed from the composite and hence to a desirable long shelf life of the food or drink product stored in the container.

Opening/opening aid

Usually, the opening in the container is produced by at least partial destruction of the hole-covering layers that cover the at least one hole. This destruction can be effected by cutting, pressing into the container or pulling out of the container. The destruction can be effected by means of an opening aid joined to the container and arranged in the region of the at least one hole, usually above the at least one hole, for example also by a drinking straw which is used to puncture the hole-covering layers. It is also preferable in one configuration of the invention that an opening aid is provided in the region of the at least one hole. It is preferable here that the opening aid is provided on the area of the composite that constitutes the outside of the container. Moreover, the container preferably includes a closure, for example a lid, on the outside of the container. It is preferable here that the closure at least partly and preferably fully covers the hole. Thus, the closure protects the hole- covering layers, which are less robust compared to the regions outside the at least one hole, from damaging mechanical contact. For opening of the hole-covering layers that cover the at least one hole, the closure frequently includes the opening aid. Suitable examples of these include hooks for tearing out at least a portion of the hole-covering layers, edges or cutters for cutting the hole-covering layers or spikes for puncturing the hole-covering layers or a combination of at least two of these. These opening aids are frequently mechanically coupled to a screw cap or a cap of the closure, for example via a hinge, such that the opening aid, on actuation of the screw cap or the cap, acts on the hole-covering layers to open the closed container. The technical literature occasionally refers to such closure systems including composite layers that cover a hole, openable closures with opening aids that cover this hole, as overcoated holes with applied fitments.

Colour application

An colour application comprises at least one colourant, preferably in a proportion in a range from 5% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 8% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 13% to 15% by weight, based in each case on the weight of the colour application. A preferred colour application consists of a multitude of preferably printed raster dots. The colour application preferably forms a decoration. A further preferred colour application further includes an application medium. A preferred application medium is an organic medium. A preferred organic medium is an organic binder. A preferred organic binder is a thermoplastic. A preferred thermoplastic is polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The colour application preferably adjoins the further outer polymer layer, and the outer polymer layer preferably adjoins the carrier layer. Preferably, the colour application is obtainable by printing. A preferred printing method here is offset printing or intaglio printing or both. A further preferred colour application is not superposed by any further layer of the layer sequence on a side of the colour application facing away from the carrier layer.

Folding of the sheetlike composite

The folding of the sheet like composite is preferably effected in a temperature range from 10 to 50°C, preferably in a range from 15 to 45°C and more preferably in a range from 20 to 40°C. This can be achieved by virtue of the sheetlike composite having a temperature in the aforementioned ranges. It is further preferable that a folding tool, preferably together with the sheetlike composite, has a temperature in the above range. For this purpose, the folding tool does preferably not comprise a heating. Instead, the folding tool or else the sheetlike composite or both can be cooled. It is further preferable that the folding is effected at a temperature of not more than 50°C in the form of "cold folding", and the joining at more than 50°C, preferably more than 80°C and more preferably more than 120°C, in the form of "hot sealing". The above conditions and especially temperatures are preferably also applicable in the environment of the fold, preferably in the housing of the folding tool.

"Folding" is understood here in accordance with the invention to mean an operation in which, preferably by means of a folding edge of a folding tool, an elongated bend that forms an angle is produced in the folded sheetlike composite. For this purpose, frequently, two adjoining faces of a sheetlike composite are bent toward one another to an ever greater degree. The folding gives rise to at least two adjoining fold faces that can then be joined at least in sub-regions to form a container region. According to the invention, the joining can be effected by any measure which seems suitable to the person skilled in the art and which enables very substantially gas- and liquid-tight join. The joining can be effected by sealing or adhesive bonding or a combination of the two measures. In the case of sealing, the join is created by means of a liquid and the solidification thereof. In the case of adhesive bonding, chemical bonds form between the interfaces or surfaces of the two articles to be joined, and these create the join. It is frequently advantageous in the case of sealing or adhesive bonding to compress the faces to be sealed or adhesively bonded together. Striae

Striae refer to fine grooves on a surface. According to DIN EN ISO 8785: 1999-10, a stria is a surface imperfection which constitutes a linear depression with a rounded or flat base, by contrast with a crack having a sharp base or with a scratch having an irregular shape in a non-fixed direction. In the assessment of the deviations in shape from an ideal surface, striae, according to DIN 4760:1982-06, constitute 4^th-order deviations in shape and therefore form part of roughness (3^rd to 5^th order). TEST METHODS

The test methods which follow were utilized in the context of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, measurements were conducted at an ambient temperature of 25°C, an ambient air pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative humidity of 50%.

MFR

MFR is measured in accordance with standards DIN EN ISO 1133-1 (2012-03) and DIN EN ISO 1133-2 (2012-03) (unless stated otherwise at 190°C and 2.16 kg) and reported with the unit cm³/ 10 min or g/10 min.

Density

Density is measured in accordance with standard ISO 1183-1 (2013-04) and reported with the unit g/cm³.

Melting temperature

Melting temperature is determined using the DSC method ISO 11357-1, -5 (2010-03). The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions using the following measurements:

temperature indium - onset temperature, heat of fusionindium,

temperature zinc - onset temperature. Viscosity number of PA

The viscosity number of PA is measured according to the standard DIN EN ISO 307 (2013-08) in 95% sulphuric acid.

Molecular weight distribution

The molecular weight distribution is measured by gel permeation chromatography by means of light scattering: ISO 16014-3/-5 (2009-09). Moisture content of cardboard

The moisture content of cardboard is determined in accordance with standard ISO 287 (2009) and reported in %. Adhesion

The adhesion of two adjacent layers is determined by fixing them in a 90° peel test instrument, for example the Instron "German rotating wheel fixture ", on a rotatable roller which rotates at 40 mm/min during the measurement. The samples were previously cut into strips of width 15 mm. On one side of the sample, the laminas are detached from one another and the detached end is clamped in a tensile device directed vertically upward. A measuring instrument to determine the tensile force is attached to the tensile device. As the roller rotates, the force needed to separate the laminas from one another is measured. This force corresponds to the adhesion of the layers to one another and is reported in N/15 mm. The separation of the individual layers can be effected mechanically, for example, or by means of a controlled pretreatment, for example by soaking the sample in 30% acetic acid at 60°C for 3 min.

Detection of colourants

Detection of organic colourants can be conducted in accordance with the methods described in "Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © 2004 WILEY- VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: 3-527-30576-9). Gloss

Gloss is measured according to the standard DIN EN ISO 2813:2015-02. Contrary to the standard, the measurement is always effected at a 60° angle of incidence. The measurement was conducted with the Micro-Gloss instrument from Byk- Gardner. A tolerance of about 10 GU (gloss units) is normal for the measurement. For measurement of the gloss of the barrier layer of a composite, the barrier layer is first removed from the composite. For this purpose, a sample of the sheetlike composite is cut out. The dimensions of the sample here are such, for example more than 2 cm x 2 cm, that measurement can be effected at different sites and the sample can be written on (for example as index). In the case of an aluminium foil as barrier layer, the sample is soaked in 30% acetic acid at 60°C for 3 min. Any polymer and cardboard layers can subsequently be separated from the aluminium foil. The aluminium foil side facing the cardboard is given a marking, for example a colour dot. No specific alignment of the aluminium foil is conducted. The gloss value is reported in gloss units (GU).

Striae

To examine a surface for striae, the surface is examined under a scanning electron microscope. The magnification and the further measurement parameters should be chosen here such that the striae are resolved in a clearly visible manner. In the case of a surface of an aluminium foil, an 800-fold magnification and a voltage of 10 kV are generally suitable in the case of detection of the secondary electrons with an ETD (Everhart-Thornley detector). Oxygen transmission rate (OTR)

Sample preparation

A sample holder in the form of a plate with a gas inlet and a gas outlet in the form of tube connections is used. The sample holder is placed onto the container made from the sheetlike composite. The gas inlet and the gas outlet penetrate the sheetlike composite and are in direct contact with the interior of the container. For gas-tight sealing of the container, the container and the sample holder are bonded with a potting compound. The potting compound used is preferably the epoxy resin: Devcon 5 Minute^® Epoxy from ITW Engineered Polymers.

Measurement

The strip is applied by its lower end to the sample holder of an OX-TRAN ® 2/20 instrument from Mocon GmbH. Sealing is effected using the epoxy resin: Devcon 5 Minute^® Epoxy from ITW Engineered Polymers. The measurement by the instrument thus conforms to the standards ASTM D3985 (2010), DIN 53380-3 (1998-07) or ISO 15105-2 (2003-02). The measurement is conducted at 20°C and 65% relative humidity over a period of 24 h. Polymer composition temperature

The temperature of the polymer composition is measured contactlessly in the process with a suitable MP 150 pyrometer from Raytek GmbH, Germany. The pyrometer is directed toward the polymer melt zone of the extruder which shortly before the polymer melt is superposed on the substrate.

The invention is described in more detail hereinafter by examples and drawings, although the examples and drawings do not mean any restriction of the invention. Moreover, the drawings, unless stated otherwise, are not to scale.

For the example (inventive) and the comparative example (noninventive), laminates with the layer structure and layer sequence which follows were produced by a laminar extrusion process.

Inner polymer layer Blend of (1) 65% by weight of LDPE (1) - 10

19N430 from Ineos Koln GmbH, and

(2) 35% by weight of Eltex 1315 AZ

from Ineos Koln GmbH

Table 1 : General structure of the example and comparative examp e laminates

Production of laminate and container

The laminate is produced with an extrusion coating system from Davis Standard. The extrusion temperature here is in a range from about 280 to 310°C. Deviations in the temperatures of ± 6°C are within the normal tolerance. Deviations in the basis weights of ± 3 g/m² are within the normal tolerance. In the first step, the carrier layer is provided with a hole for each container to be produced and then the outer polymer layer is applied to the carrier layer. In the second step, the barrier layer together with the first polymer layer is applied to the carrier layer that has been coated with the outer polymer layer beforehand. Subsequently, the adhesion promoter layer and the inner polymer layer are co-extruded onto the barrier layer. For application of the individual layers, the polymers are melted in an extruder. In the case of application of a polymer in a layer, the resultant melt is transferred via a feed block into a die and extruded onto the carrier layer.

The barrier layer, which is the above-specified aluminium foil, has a first film surface and a further film surface opposite the first film surface. The first film surface has a gloss in the range from 70 to 95 GU; the further film surface in the range from 200 to 360 GU. According to the invention, the laminate is produced in such a way that the first film surface faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence. In the comparative (noninventive) case, the orientation of the barrier layer is chosen such that the further film surface faces the carrier layer in the layer sequence.

Grooves, especially longitudinal grooves, are introduced into the laminate thus obtained. In addition, the grooved laminate is cut into blanks for individual containers, with each blank containing one of the above holes. By folding along the 4 longitudinal grooves of each blank and sealing of overlapping fold faces, a container precursor in shell form of the shape shown in Figure 5 is obtained in each case. This shell is used to produce a closed container in a standard filling machine: CFA 712, SIG Combibloc, Linnich. Here, a base region is produced by folding and sealed by heat-sealing. This gives rise to a cup which is open at the top. The cup is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the cup is filled with orange juice. By folding and ultrasound sealing, the top region of the cup containing the hole is closed and hence a closed container is obtained. An opening aid is secured to this container in the region of the hole.

Evaluation

It was found that orange juice as an illustrative food or drink product, in the case of storage in the containers made from a laminate according to the invention, has an advantageous combination of minor taste impairment and low vitamin C loss.

The figures each show, in schematic form and not to scale, unless stated otherwise in the description or the respective figure: a schematic cross section of a sheetlike composite according to the invention;

an enlarged detail from the schematic cross section of the sheet like composite of Figure la);

a schematic cross section of a further sheetlike composite according to the invention;

a flow diagram of a process according to the invention for production of a sheetlike composite;

a flow diagram of a further process according to the invention for production of a sheetlike composite;

a schematic diagram of a container precursor according to the invention;

a schematic diagram of a closed container according to the invention;

a flow diagram of a process according to the invention for production of a container precursor;

a flow diagram of a process according to the invention for production of a closed container; and Figure 9a) an SEM image of a first layer surface of a barrier layer of a sheetlike composite according to the invention; and

Figure 9b) an SEM image of a further layer surface of the barrier layer from

Figure 9a).

Figure la) shows a schematic cross section of a sheetlike composite 100 according to the invention. The sheetlike composite 100 comprises, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence 101, from an outer surface 102 of the sheetlike composite 100 to an inner surface 103 of the sheetlike composite 100: a carrier layer 104 composed of a cardboard Stora Enso Natura T Duplex with double paper coating, a first polymer layer 105 of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne, and a barrier layer 106 composed of an EN AW 8079 aluminium foil from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH. The barrier layer 106 comprises a first layer surface 107 and a further layer surface 108. As apparent in Figure la), the first layer surface 107 in the layer sequence 101 faces the carrier layer 104 and the further layer surface 108 faces away from the carrier layer 104. The first layer surface 107 of the aluminium foil is characterized by a first gloss value of 88 GU; the further layer surface 108 is characterized by a further gloss value of 280 GU. Figure lb) shows an enlarged detail from the schematic cross section of the sheetlike composite 100 of Figure la). Here, in particular, the first layer surface 107 and the further layer surface 108 are shown in detail. The first polymer layer 105 is shown only truncated, in order to illustrate the orientation of the barrier layer 106 in the sheetlike composite 100.

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of a further sheetlike composite 100 according to the invention. The sheetlike composite 100 comprises, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence 101, from an outer surface 102 of the sheetlike composite 100 to an inner surface 103 of the sheetlike composite 100: a colour application 201, here a decoration composed of colours from an MAS colour series from SunChemical, Parsippany, USA; an outer polymer layer 202 composed of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne (basis weight 15 g/m²); a carrier layer 104 composed of a cardboard Stora Enso Natura T Duplex with double paper coating(Scott bond 200 J/m², residual moisture content 7.5%, basis weight 210 g/m²); a first polymer layer 105 composed of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne (basis weight 18 g/m²); a barrier layer 106 composed of an EN AW 8079 aluminium foil from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH (thickness 6 μηι); an adhesion promoter layer 203 composed of Escor 6000 HSC from ExxonMobil Corporation (basis weight 4 g/m²) and LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne (basis weight 22 g/m²); and an inner polymer layer 204 composed of a blend of 65% by weight of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos Koln GmbH and 35% by weight of Eltex 1315 AZ from Ineos Koln GmbH (blend basis weight 10 g/m²). The barrier layer 106 comprises a first layer surface 107 and a further layer surface 108. As apparent in Figure 2, the first layer surface 107 faces the carrier layer 104 in the layer sequence 101 and the further layer surface 108 faces away from the carrier layer 104. The first layer surface 107 of the aluminium foil is characterized by a first gloss value of 73 GU; the further layer surface 108 is characterized by a further gloss value of 350 GU. Figure 9a) shows a scanning electron micrograph (SEM image) of the first layer surface 107; Figure 9b) shows an SEM image of the further layer surface 108. The sheetlike composite 100 is characterized by an oxygen transmission rate of 1.01 cm³/(m²-d-bar).

Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a process 300 according to the invention for production of a sheetlike composite 100. The process 300 comprises a process step a) 301 : providing a carrier layer 104 (cardboard Stora Enso Natura T Duplex with double paper coating) and a barrier layer 106 (EN AW 8079 aluminium foil from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH). The barrier layer 106 comprises a first layer surface 107 and a further layer surface 108. In a process step b) 302, the carrier layer 104 is superposed with the barrier layer 106. This involves joining the carrier layer 104 to the barrier layer 106 by laminating with a first polymer layer 105 composed of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne (basis weight 18 g/m²) thereby obtaining a layer sequence 101. In the layer sequence 101, the first layer surface 107 faces the carrier layer 104 and the further layer surface 108 faces away from the carrier layer 104. The first layer surface 107 is characterized by a first gloss value of 90 GU; the further layer surface 108 is characterized by a further gloss value of 240 GU. By the process 300 of Figure 3, the sheetlike composite 100 of Figure la) is obtainable. Figure 4 shows a flow diagram of a further process 300 according to the invention for production of a sheetlike composite 100. The process 300 comprises a process step a) 301 : providing a carrier layer 104 (cardboard Stora Enso Natura T Duplex with double paper coating) and a barrier layer 106 (EN AW 8079 aluminium foil from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH). The barrier layer 106 comprises a first layer surface 107 and a further layer surface 108. In a further process step 401, the carrier layer 104, on a side which will face away from the barrier layer 106 after a process step b), is superposed with and joined to an outer polymer composition by laminar extrusion. The outer polymer composition consists of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne. In a process step b) 302, the carrier layer 104 is superposed with the barrier layer 106 on a side other than the abovementioned side of the carrier layer. This involves joining the carrier layer 104 to the barrier layer 106 by laminating with a first polymer composition composed of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne (basis weight 18 g/m²) thereby obtaining a layer sequence 101. In the lamination, the first polymer composition has a first temperature of 310°C. In a process step c) 402, the further layer surface is superposed by laminar extrusion with an adhesion promoter layer composed of Escor 6000 HSC from ExxonMobil Corporation (basis weight 4 g/m²) and LDPE 19N430 from Ineos GmbH, Cologne (basis weight 22 g/m²), and an inner polymer composition is superposed thereon. The inner polymer composition is a blend composed of 65% by weight of LDPE 19N430 from Ineos Koln GmbH and 35% by weight of Eltex 1315 AZ from Ineos Koln GmbH, based in each case on the weight of the inner polymer composition. In the superposition, the inner polymer composition has a further temperature of 280°C. In an additional process step 403, grooves 505 are introduced into the sheetlike composite 100 obtained above. This is accomplished by means of grooving with a grooving tool on a side of the carrier layer 14 facing away from the barrier layer 106. In the layer sequence 101, the first layer surface 107 faces the carrier layer 104 and the further layer surface 108 faces away from the carrier layer 104. The first layer surface 107 is characterized by a first gloss value of 83 GU; the further layer surface 108 is characterized by a further gloss value of 320 GU. By the process 300 of Figure 4, the sheetlike composite 100 of Figure 2 is obtainable. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a container precursor 500 according to the invention. The container precursor 500 comprises the sheet like composite 100 of Figure 2 with 4 folds 501. The sheetlike composite 100 is a blank for production of a single closed container 600. The container precursor 500 takes the form of a shell and comprises a longitudinal seam 502 in which a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge of the sheetlike composite 100 are sealed to one another. In addition, the container precursor 500 comprises a hole 506 in the carrier layer 104. The hole 506 is covered by the outer polymer layer 202 (not shown), the first polymer layer 105 (not shown), the barrier layer 106, the adhesion promoter layer 203 (not shown) and the inner polymer layer 204 (not shown) as hole-covering layers. By folding along grooves 505 and joining of fold regions in a top region 503 and a base region 504 of the container precursor 500, a closed container 600 is obtainable. Such a closed container 600 is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a closed container 600 according to the invention. The closed container 600 was produced from the container precursor 500 according to Figure 5. The closed container 600 contains a food or drink product 601 and has 12 edges 602. In addition, the closed container 600 is joined to a lid having an opening aid 603 which covers the hole 506 on the outside 102 of the sheetlike composite 100. Here, the lid 603 comprises a cutting tool as opening aid in its interior.

Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of a process 700 according to the invention for production of a container precursor 500. In a process step A. 701, the sheetlike composite 100 according to Figure 2 is provided. The latter comprises a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge. In a process step B. 702, the sheet like composite 100 is folded. In a process step C. 703, the first longitudinal edge and the further longitudinal edge are compressed with one another and joined to one another by heat-sealing. Thus, a longitudinal seam 502 is obtained. According to the above description, the container precursor 500 according to Figure 5 is produced.

Figure 8 shows a flow diagram of a process 800 according to the invention for production of a closed container 600. In a process step I. 801, the container precursor 500 according to Figure 5 is provided. In a process step II. 802, a base region 504 of the container precursor 500 is formed by folding the sheet like composite 100. In a process step III. 803, the base region 504 is closed by sealing with hot air at a temperature of 300°C. In a process step IV. 804, the container precursor 500 is filled with a food or drink product 601 and, in a process step V. 805, the container precursor 500 is closed by sealing in a top region 503 thereby obtaining the closed container 600. In a process step VI. 806, the closed container 600 is joined to an opening aid 603. Figure 9a) shows an SEM image 901 of a first layer surface 107 of a barrier layer 106 of a sheetlike composite 100 according to the invention. The barrier layer 106 is the aluminium foil of the sheetlike composite 100 of Figure 2. The SEM image 901 does not show any striae 903. The SEM image 901 was recorded with 800- fold magnification, a voltage of 10 kV and an inclination of 29.5°. The detector used for the secondary electrons utilized to generate the image was an Everhart- Thornley detector (ETD).

Figure 9b) shows an SEM image 900 of a further layer surface 108 of the barrier layer 106 from Figure 9a). The SEM image 902 shows numerous striae 903 on the further layer surface 108. The SEM image 902 was recorded with 800-fold magnification, a voltage of 10 kV and an inclination of 29.6°. The detector used for the secondary electrons utilized to generate the image was an ETD.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Sheetlike composite according to the invention

101 Layer sequence

102 Outer surface

103 Inner surface

104 Carrier layer

105 First polymer layer

106 Barrier layer

107 First layer surface

108 Further layer surface

201 Colour application

202 Outer polymer layer

203 Adhesion promoter layer

204 Inner polymer layer

300 Process according to the invention

301 Process step a)

302 Process step b)

401 Superposition with outer polymer composition

402 Process step c)

403 Grooving

500 Container precursor according to the invention

501 Fold

502 Longitudinal seam

503 Top region

504 Base region

505 Groove

506 Hole

600 Closed container according to the invention

601 Food or drink product

602 Edge

603 Lid with opening aid

700 Process according to the invention

701 Process step A. 702 Process step B.

703 Process step C.

800 Process according to the invention

801 Process step I.

802 Process step II.

803 Process step III.

804 Process step IV.

805 Process step V.

806 Process step VI.

901 SEM image of a first layer surface of a barrier layer according to the invention

902 SEM image of a further layer surface of the barrier layer according to the invention from Fig. 9a)

903 Stria

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A sheet like composite (100) comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence (101):

a) a carrier layer (104); and

b) a barrier layer (106) comprising a first layer surface (107) and a further layer surface (108);

wherein the first layer surface (107)

a. faces the carrier layer (104) in the layer sequence (101), and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface (108)

A) faces away from the carrier layer (104) in the layer sequence (101), and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value.

2. The sheet like composite (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value by at least 100 GU.

3. The sheetlike composite (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the further gloss value is in a range from 200 to 360 GU.

4. The sheetlike composite (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the further layer surface (108) has more striae (903) than the first layer surface (107).

5. The sheetlike composite (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier layer (106) comprises a metal.

6. The sheetlike composite (100) according to Claim 5, wherein the metal is aluminium.

7. A process (300) comprising, as process steps,

a) providing

i) a carrier layer (104), and ii) a barrier layer (106) comprising a first layer surface (107) and a further layer surface (108); and

b) superposing the carrier layer (104) with the barrier layer (106);

wherein the first layer surface (107)

a. faces the carrier layer (104), and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface (108)

A) faces away from the carrier layer (104), and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value.

8. The process (300) according to Claim 7, wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value by at least 100 GU.

9. The process (300) according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the further gloss value is in a range from 200 to 360 GU.

10. A sheetlike composite (100) obtainable by the process (300) according to any of Claims 7 to 9.

11. A container precursor (500) comprising the sheetlike composite (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6 or 11.

12. A closed container (600) comprising the sheetlike composite (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6 or 11.

13. A process (700) comprising, as process steps,

A. providing the sheetlike composite (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6 or 13,

wherein the sheetlike composite (100) comprises a first longitudinal edge and a further longitudinal edge;

B. folding the sheetlike composite (100); and

C. contacting and joining the first longitudinal edge to the further longitudinal edge thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam (502). A process (800) comprising, as process steps,

I. providing the container precursor (500) according to Claim 11, II. forming a base region (504) of the container precursor (500) by folding the sheetlike composite (100);

III. closing the base region (504);

IV. filling the container precursor (500) with a food or drink product (601); and

V. closing the container precursor (500) in a top region (503) thereby obtaining a closed container (600).

A use of the sheetlike composite (100) according to any of Claims 1 to 6 or 10 for production of a closed container filled with a food or drink product (601).

A use of an aluminium foil comprising a first layer surface (107) and a further layer surface (108) for production of a sheetlike composite (100) comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence (101):

a) a carrier layer (104); and

b) a barrier layer (106) comprising the aluminium foil;

wherein the first layer surface (107)

a. faces the carrier layer (104) in the layer sequence (101), and

b. is characterized by a first gloss value;

wherein the further layer surface (108)

A) faces away from the carrier layer (104) in the layer sequence (101), and

B) is characterized by a further gloss value;

wherein the further gloss value is more than the first gloss value.