Abstract: A biopolymer blown film extrusion system comprising an extruder receiving polymer pellets and at least two additives, and generating a molten mass having at least one layer; a die receiving the molten extrudates and generating a bubble having at least one layer from a die orifice; an internal bubble blower operably connected to maintain air inside the bubble; a bubble collapsing frame receiving the bubble and generating a biopolymer film having at least one layer, the film having a selected elongation at break of 180% or more in one direction and heat sealing at 195° F. or less; a nip roller operably connected to draw the biopolymer film from the bubble collapsing frame; a turning bar operably connected to change a travel angle of the biopolymer film; and a travel roller operably connected to direct travel of the biopolymer film.

Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base.

Abstract: A high barrier film and method of forming a high barrier film. The film includes a biopolymer and metallization layers. A primer layer is applied to one of the metallization layer and the biopolymer layer and a nanocomposite barrier coating is disposed between the primer layer and the metallization layer. The film includes a second biopolymer layer and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer disposed between the second biopolymer layer and the metallization layer, where the second biopolymer layer is adhered to at least one of the biopolymer layer, the metallization layer, the primer layer and the nanocomposite layer.

Abstract: A gassing system includes a gassing device, a pressure regulator in communication with the gassing device and a gas source and a PLC electrically connected to the pressure regulator. In addition, the system includes a removable orifice in communication with the pressure regulator, wherein the pressure regulator controls gas flow responsive to a signal sent from the PLC and wherein gas exiting the pressure regulator flows directly into and through the orifice and directly into the gassing device.

Abstract: A film formed from biopolymer lamination for thermal lamination to a rigid biopolymer structure including a polymer layer; a biopolymer layer; and an adhesive layer joining the polymer layer to the biopolymer layer. The biopolymer layer is thermally adherable to the rigid biopolymer structure.

Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a package formed from a single sheet of a lid fitment attached to a top side of the package. The top side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the top side and surrounding the top side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base. The base may be sealed to one of the top surface of the top side, to the corner seals surrounding the top side, or to both, such that a portion of the top surface is accessible from the exterior of the container when the lid is separated from the base of the lid fitment.

Abstract: A tamper evident container includes a lid having top and outer walls configured to fit over a flange of a storage element with the outer wall extending below a bottom edge of the flange. The outer wall may include an inwardly extending locking indentation engaging the bottom edge of the flange of the storage element to retain the lid on the storage element. The lid further includes a line of reduced strength extending along a portion of the top wall and/or outer wall to detach a portion of the outer wall and disengage the locking indentation from the flange to allow the lid to be disengaged from the flange without further permanent deformation of the lid or the storage element. The line of reduced strength divides a pull tab.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold.

Abstract: A tamper evident container includes a storage element having a flange extending outwardly from a top edge, and a lid having top and outer walls configured to fit over the flange of the storage element with the outer wall extending below a bottom edge of the flange. The outer wall may include an inwardly extending locking indentation engaging the bottom edge of the flange of the storage element to retain the lid on the storage element and prevent it from being removed without permanently deforming at least one of the lid and the storage element, The lid further includes a line of reduced strength extending along a portion of the top wall and/or outer wall to detach a portion of the outer wall and disengage the locking indentation from the flange to allow the lid to be disengaged from the flange without further permanent deformation of the lid or the storage element.

Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base.