Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provides a method of preparing a thermoformed article composed of polylactic acid that includes the steps of providing a foam sheet comprising polylactic acid having a D-lactic acid stereo-isomer content that is about 3 mole % or less, exposing the sheet to a temperature of at least about 190° C., and forming the heated sheet in a mold at a mold temperature that is at least about 50° C. and for a length of time to form a thermoformed article having a PLA crystalline content of at least about 10%. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that heat resistant thermoformed articles can be prepared in accordance with embodiments of the invention wherein the time required for forming the foam sheet into a molded article is less than about 10 seconds.

Abstract: There is described a rigid or semi-rigid container assembly 10 (110) for the packaging of food products. The container assembly 10 (110) comprises a support 20 (120) and a frame 30 (130). Support 20 (120) comprises an outwardly extending peripheral flange 21 (121) which is shaped to cooperate with frame 30 (130) so that the frame can be snap-fit closed onto support 20 (120). The rim 32 (132) of frame 30 (130) extends only over a fraction of flange 21 (121) leaving part 22 (122) of the flange and the central part (5, 105) of support 20 (120) uncovered.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an article that enables on-demand blooming of an oxygen-sensitive product packaged within the interior of the article. Specifically, the product can be packaged between two films, wherein at least one of the films is oxygen-permeable. The edges of the films can be attached to one or more suspension frames, such that the product is suspended between the two frames. The oxygen-impermeable film is covered in with an oxygen-impermeable material that can be removed on demand to promote blooming.

Abstract: A clear polyester container (1.0) comprising a base and upwardly extending side walls terminating in a continuous flange projecting from the side walls is described. Said multilayer container comprises an inner layer (1.1) in amorphous phase and an outer layer comprising a nucleating agent in the polymer composition in order to be crystallized in at least one portion of the flange.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provides a method of preparing a thermoformed article composed of polylactic acid that includes the steps of providing a foam sheet comprising polylactic acid having a D-lactic acid stereo-isomer content that is about 3 mole % or less, exposing the sheet to a temperature of at least about 190° C., and forming the heated sheet in a mold at a mold temperature that is at least about 50° C. and for a length of time to form a thermoformed article having a PLA crystalline content of at least about 10%. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that heat resistant thermoformed articles can be prepared in accordance with embodiments of the invention wherein the time required for forming the foam sheet into a molded article is less than about 10 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for thermoforming a foamed polyester sheet of low crystallinity to produce a heat-resistant molded foam article (13). The process comprises the steps of heating a foamed polyester sheet (10) to a preforming temperature by contact with at least one heating plate and molding the heated foamed polyester sheet onto a non-heated mold (30). The present invention further relates to a process for manufacturing a package by thermoforming a foamed polyester sheet of low crystallinity to produce a heat-resistant molded foam container, loading a product (51) into said container and sealing or welding a film of thermoplastic material (61) onto said container to close it. The heat-resistant molded foam articles and the packages thus obtained are excellent in heat resistance and are not thermally distorted even when heated in a microwave or conventional oven. They are particularly useful for the packaging of food products for dual ovenable applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high modulus, bi-axially oriented film, heat-shrinkable or non heatshrinkable, comprising a first outer layer comprising a polyester or a copolyester, a second outer layer comprising an ethylene or propylene homo- or co-polymer, a core layer comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and no core polyamide or polyester layers. The film according to the present invention is prepared by orienting biaxially a flat extruded tape by means of a tenter frame, preferably simultaneously, and has a modulus higher than 6,000 kg/cm2 in at least one direction. The film of the present invention is particularly useful, in the non heat-shrinkable version, for food and non food packaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas barrier and liquid absorbent container (1) for use in the modified atmosphere packaging of food products which tend to release liquids. The container of the invention comprises a base and upwardly extending side walls terminating in a continuous flange horizontally projecting from the side walls, and comprising an inner part of a liquid pervious material (20), and an outer part of a liquid and gas barrier material (10), said inner and outer parts being joined together at the side walls and being spaced apart from each other at the base to define an interspace (30). A circumferentially extending continuous portion (11) of the surface of the liquid and gas barrier material is exposed to provide an area for a gas barrier closing lid to be sealed. The invention further relates to a method of manufacture of said container, to its use in the packaging of food products under a modified atmosphere and to the gas-tight packages thus obtained.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an article that enables on-demand blooming of an oxygen-sensitive product packaged within the interior of the article. Specifically, the product can be packaged between two films, wherein at least one of the films is oxygen-permeable. The edges of the films can be attached to one or more suspension frames, such that the product is suspended between the two frames. The oxygen-impermeable film is covered in with an oxygen-impermeable material that can be removed on demand to promote blooming.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a system and method that allows on-demand oxygen generation within a package. Particularly, the disclosed package incorporates a mass of an oxygen generating material within the interior or exterior of the package. The oxygen generating material is contained by some means, for example, in a cartridge, pouch, sachet, or other similar article separate from a packaged product. For applications with fresh red meat, at the time the package is ready for display, oxygen generation is initiated to increase the oxygen concentration within the package interior, thereby allowing blooming of the red meat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for thermoforming a foamed polyester sheet of low crystallinity to produce a heat-resistant molded foam article (13). The process comprises the steps of heating a foamed polyester sheet (10) to a preforming temperature by contact with at least one heating plate and molding the heated foamed polyester sheet onto a non-heated mold (30). The present invention further relates to a process for manufacturing a package by thermoforming a foamed polyester sheet of low crystallinity to produce a heat-resistant molded foam container, loading a product (51) into said container and sealing or welding a film of thermoplastic material (61) onto said container to close it. The heat-resistant molded foam articles and the packages thus obtained are excellent in heat resistance and are not thermally distorted even when heated in a microwave or conventional oven. They are particularly useful for the packaging of food products for dual ovenable applications.

Abstract: There is described a rigid or semi-rigid container assembly 10 (110) for the packaging of food products. The container assembly 10 (110) comprises a support 20 (120) and a frame 30 (130). Support 20 (120) comprises an outwardly extending peripheral flange 21 (121) which is shaped to cooperate with frame 30 (130) so that the frame can be snap-fit closed onto support 20 (120). The rim 32 (132) of frame 30 (130) extends only over a fraction of flange 21 (121) leaving part 22 (122) of the flange and the central part (5, 105) of support 20 (120) uncovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high modulus, bi-axially oriented film, heat-shrinkable or non heatshrinkable, comprising a first outer layer comprising a polyester or a copolyester, a second outer layer comprising an ethylene or propylene homo- or co-polymer, a core layer comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and no core polyamide or polyester layers. The film according to the present invention is prepared by orienting biaxially a flat extruded tape by means of a tenter frame, preferably simultaneously, and has a modulus higher than 6,000 kg/cm2 in at least one direction. The film of the present invention is particularly useful, in the non heat-shrinkable version, for food and non food packaging applications.

Abstract: A multi-layer, thermoplastic film bi-axially oriented at a stretching ratio ? to about 3.0:1 in the machine direction and at a stretching ratio ? about 6.0:1 in the transverse direction, which film comprises a layer a) comprising at least 50 wt. % of a crystalline or partially crystalline co-polyamide characterized by a Tg?100° C. and at least one outer heat-sealing layer b) comprising a polyolefin, said film being further characterized in that it has a % free shrink at 100° C.?3 in each direction.

Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).

Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).

Abstract: A multi-layer, thermoplastic film bi-axially oriented at a stretching ratio ≧ to about 3.0:1 in the machine direction and at a stretching ratio ≧ about 6.0:1 in the transverse direction, which film comprises a layer a) comprising at least 50 wt. % of a crystalline or partially crystalline co-polyamide characterized by a Tg≦100° C. and at least one outer heat-sealing layer b) comprising a polyolefin, said film being further characterized in that it has a % free shrink at 100° C.≦3 in each direction.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is an extrudable blend comprising (i) a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid or methacrylic acid (ii) a modified EVA copolymer and (iii) a polybutylene. Included are the films comprising said blend in the sealant layer or in a layer directly adhered to the sealant layer, and the easy-to-open packages obtained therefrom.

Abstract: Adhesive thermoplastic composition basically consisting of:1) dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer;2) polyethylene having a density equal to or less than 0.920 g/cm.sup.3 ;3) additives.The above composition is particularly useful for being firmly bound to articles made of EPM and/or EPDM vulcanized rubbers and for binding parts of vulcanized EPM and/or EPDM to each other.