Lubricants formulated and qualified for contact with food compositions and related business methods

Abstract

A food container conveyor device having improved lubricant properties can be lubricated using a lubricant composition that can become ingested by a user from a food or a container for the food, can come into incidental contact or direct content with a food composition, can be incorporated at measurable concentrations into the food, or can be used generally on food conveyor surfaces wherein the food is exposed to the lubricant. Such lubricant compositions can be formulated in aqueous or non-aqueous compositions containing approved lubricant ingredients. Food containers lubricated using the compositions of the invention can be distributed to the public even in the substantial occurrence of contact between the food composition and the approved lubricant materials.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates lubricants for food packaging, packaging business methods and to food containers and lubricated conveyor apparatus that can move the container or container plus food composition during production. Such conveyors typically move the containers to stations that incorporate the food composition into the container and then further direct the container or food and container to stations that can clean the container, apply labels or package the container for further shipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In commercial container filling or packaging operations, containers and packaged foods are moved by a conveying system at high rates of speed. In current operations, copious amounts of aqueous dilute lubricant solutions are typically applied to the conveyor or containers using spray or pumping equipment. The lubricants are directed to the conveyor or container using a variety of methods. Spray, brush, fountain, drip, flooding or other means can be used to apply the liquid under some pressure to the conveyor or container. Such means to apply the liquid lubricant can create a splash, stream, mist or other directed liquid mass that can contact the food in a container or remain on the container and result in a concentration of lubricant in the food. Consumption of the food or contact with the container can result in the ingestion of the lubricant residue form the food or container. These lubricant solutions permit high-speed operation (up to 1000 containers per minute or more) of the conveyor. Aqueous conveyor lubricants conventionally based on fatty acids, anionic surfactants, ethoxylated amines or fatty amines are not currently qualified for contact or indirect contact with food. Any contact between food and lubricant can render the food unfit for human consumption under current FDA regulations including for example 21 CFR §§1.172, 1.178 and 1.182. These regulations also define “food grade” additive materials. Further, such lubricants typically contain ingredients that can promote microbes or can react with spilled carbonated beverages or other food or liquid components to form unwanted solid deposits.

[0003] Certain aqueous conveyor lubricants are formulated for thermoplastic beverage containers made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other thermoplastics. Dilute aqueous lubricants typically require use of large amounts of water on the conveying line, which must then be disposed of or recycled, and which causes an unduly wet environment near the conveyor line. Current conveyor lubricant systems are classified H-2 according to regulations in 21 CFR §§1.172, 1.178 and 1.182. Such systems are not approved for incidental, indirect or direct contact with beverage compositions. Any contact between H-2 lubricant materials and foods that incorporates any important amount of lubricant into beverage renders the beverage unsuitable for human consumption. Significant problems have arisen when H-2 lubricants have come into contact with food materials. When the food materials, often beverages or other comestibles have been contaminated with such H-2 lubricants, recalls of these materials have occurred resulting in substantial loss to the manufacturer. Because of the safety concerns and the potential of financial lawsuit to manufacturers, the use of H-2 lubricants can often pose substantial operating costs and administrative costs including regulatory review personnel insurance and other costs not directly related to the costs of lubricating conveyor lines and the costs of maintaining food purity. Accordingly, a substantial need exists in the art to obtain lubricants that can be used in a way on lubricating lines and with respect to containers and containers containing food such that the food can come into incidental, indirect or direct contact with lubricating compositions without rendering the food unfit for human consumption.

[0004] Initially such conveyor systems were lubricated using large amounts of dilute aqueous lubricant materials. Typical early conveyor lubricants comprise substantially soluble sodium salt of the fatty acid or sodium salt of linear alkane sulfonate which acted to both lubricate and at least to some degree, clean the conveyor surfaces. Representative examples of such lubricants are found in Stanton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,973 and Stanton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,220. These materials are considered to be H-2 and are not approved for contact with foods. A series of soluble aqueous lubricants were introduced including Rossio et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,929,375 and 5,073,280; and Wieder et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,801. These patents assert that certain substituted aromatic compounds, certain couplers and saponifying agents and certain amine compounds can obtain lubrication in appropriately formulated materials. Other patents, including Person Hei et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,874 and 5,723,418; Besse et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,871; Gutzmann et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,559,087 and 5,352,376; Liu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,589; Schmitt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,035; Gutzmann et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,914; teach conveyor lubricants that provide adequate lubrication, cleaning and with minimal chemical attack to PET bottles. Certain lubricating oil compositions for use with high temperature resistant food compatible food processing machinery are shown in Butler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,308. Lawate et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,654, discloses environmentally friendly foodgrade lubricants. Lastly, Nilbert, U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,785, shows non-aqueous lubricant compositions used in food handling machinery comprising a white oil. Other lubricants are used as shackle or trolley lubricants in meatpacking. Other lubricants available for use in food applications include can seamer grease typically used to form seams in aluminum cans. Such materials do not come into contact with the container conveyor interface area. No currently available lubricant is considered to be H-1 qualified for lubricating food or beverage container conveyor contact area.

[0005] A substantial need exists for improved lubricating methods commonly used in the food or beverage industry. Lubricating solutions are often used on conveying systems during the filling of containers with foods or beverages. There are a number of different requirements that are desirable for such lubricants. For example, the lubricant should provide an acceptable level of lubricity for the system. The lubricant preferably has a viscosity which allows it to be applied by conventional pumping and/or application apparatus, such as by spraying, roll coating, wet bed coating, and the like, commonly used in the industry. More importantly the lubricant should be made of materials that are H-1 approved and can be contacted with the food or considered to be a food additive and not result in the food being rejected as not fit for human consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] We have found that substantial savings can occur in the packaging of food materials in containers using H-1 qualified lubricants on conveyors that move the container from place to place during the packaging procedure. The use of an H-1 grade lubricant in such a conveyor system can alleviate many concerns with respect to contacting the food material with the lubricant material. Should some amount of the lubricant come into direct, incidental or indirect contact with the food, the presence of the H-1 lubricant in the food does not render the food unsuitable for human consumption. “Food” as used in this application means any substance ingested by humans including liquid, solid, semi-solid, composite comestible materials in the form of water, carbonated beverage, a food, juice, sports beverage, snack, edible container or carrier. Such a process an result in substantial savings in the operation of the food manufacturing and packaging operation and can also result in substantial savings of money in general administrative and operating expenses by reducing costs of recall of contaminated materials (in contact with H-2 lubricants) and in reduced administrative costs such as reduced insurance costs. U.S.D.A. H-1 lubricants are regulated in 21 C.F.R. §178 (at 178.3570), 21 C.F.R. §1.72 and 21 C.F.R. §1.82. The materials are formulated to contain ingredients that both lubricate and pass the stringent guidelines of the Federal regulations. Current conveyor lubricants are all classified as “H-2” and can be used only in packaging procedures and conveyor systems in a method that envisions absolutely no possibility of direct, indirect or incidental contact with comestible food materials. For the purposes of this application the terms “Direct, Incidental or Indirect” contact between lubricant and food means that the food acquires an amount of lubricant. This amount if in the form of an H-2 composition would render the food unfit for human consumption. For the purpose of this specification and claims, the term “coating” is intended to mean a continuous or discontinuous thin liquid layer of the lubricant dispersions of the invention on a moving conveyor surface. Such a coating can be formed by applying the liquid to the surface such that the surface of the conveyor is substantially completed covered with the lubricant. Alternatively, the term “coating” can also connote the timed application of the lubricant such that the lubricant can be applied intermittently to a surface of a moving conveyor. The intermittent application of the lubricant can still provide an adequate lubricating layer on the surface. The lubricant coatings of the invention can develop areas of the conveyor that do not have any substantial quantity of liquid lubricant as the lubricant interacts with the conveyor surface, the containers and the changing conditions as the conveyor moves through the structure. For the lubricant to work successfully, there must be an amount of lubricant at the container conveyor interface to obtain reduced coefficient of friction. In other words, a successful lubricant coating is present when the lubricant is present at the interface to successfully reduce friction during conveying of a container from place to place on a conveyor.

[0007] With ongoing advances in packaging processes, the dynamics of a conveyor lubricant has been altered in important aspects. First, filling, capping, seaming or other processing conveyor speeds have been increased from about a few hundred packages per minute to over one thousand packages per minute for a number of containers and in particular, for polyethylene terephthalate carbonated beverage containers. In filling steel and aluminum cans, filling rates of 2000 packages per minute can occur. With this increased speed, there is an increase potential for lubricant coming into direct, indirect or incidental contact with the beverage or food material by splashing, spraying or contact with air borne aerosol lubricant into open containers prior to capping, sealing or seaming. Second, automation has reduced the need for worker presence in filling lines. As a consequence, with minimal oversight or trouble shooting during production, often packages having some direct or incidental contact between lubricant and food could go unnoticed for some period of time. Further, in addition to changes in filling operations, the number of products and the number of different types of package sizes has changed dramatically. While one gallon and two liter packages continue to be very popular, single serve packages have obtained a growing importance in all product food segments. As a result, single serve packages result in direct contact between the consumer and the container during consumption of the contents of the container. Any chemical residue present on the exterior of a container such as a polyester bottle, beverage aluminum can, polyethylene sandwich container, or other material can easily result in an ingestion of lubricant residue from the exterior of the container during food consumption.

[0008] The inadvertent adulteration of food products by direct or incidental contact with lubricants has become a major concern with beverage manufacturers due to the risk of liability and the potential for damage to brand name image. Such concerns are exemplified by the occurrence of contaminated beverage recalls. The H-1 lubricants contemplated in the methods of the invention are typically liquid materials that contain a solution dispersion, emulsion or microemulsion of a lubricant material in a liquid phase. Liquid phases contemplated by the methods of this invention are typically manufactured by dispersing lubricant material in an aqueous phase or an oleophilic phase. Aqueous phases contemplated in the methods of the invention are typically derived from deionized water or other purified water sources that qualify as an H-1 material. Such aqueous phases can contain a solution of useful materials that can be identified by a review of21 C.F.R. §§172, 178 or 182. The oleophilic phase of the lubricants contemplated in this invention are typically oleophilic materials such as qualified mineral oils, qualified oils from natural sources such as corn oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil, etc. Such oils, waxes and other oleophilic materials are listed in the appropriate sections of H-1 approved materials in 21 C.F.R. §§172, 178 and 182.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention comprises a lubricant formulated using an aqueous carrier using concentrations of materials that are designed or adapted for direct application to the conveyor container contact surface without further dilution with an aqueous stream. A second aspect of the invention comprises a lubricant comprising an aqueous carrier and a concentration of active materials that are designed or adapted for dilution with water to form a dilute lubricant material. In this aspect, the lubricants are typically formulated for dilution with from about 100 to about 500 parts of aqueous diluent per each 1 part of the formulated lubricant material. A further aspect of the invention comprises a lubricant having a formulation dispersed in an oleophilic carrier which can be applied directly to the interface between a container and a conveyor surface for lubricating purposes. Such a lubricant oleophilic formulation can be applied neat (without dilution). Still another aspect of the invention comprises a lubricant comprising an oleophilic carrier in a concentration of active materials that are designed and adapted for dilution with a diluent which can comprise an oleophilic liquid or a hydrophilic liquid such as water for application purposes.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the methods of the invention can be used to convey a number of different types of containers or packages. Such containers include cans, bottles or cartons and boxes. Cans typically include both steel and aluminum cans that are typically conveyed with an open top filled with a food product such as stew, soup, beverage or other dried, aqueous or composite food product. Bottles include glass or thermoplastic bottles including polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene or other common resin materials. Lastly, cartons or boxes can include materials made from cellulosic webs that can be used in a corrugated form, a sheet-like form, or a coated material in which the coatings comprises a wax, a resin or other printed or non-printed materials.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The lubricants of the invention can be formulated in a liquid solution form. Alternatively, the lubricants can be made by dispersing an oleophilic phase in an aqueous or hydrophilic phase. Alternatively, the lubricants can be formulated by dispersing an aqueous or hydrophilic phase in an oleophilic phase. Commonly, the diluents or continuous phase materials of the invention include either an aqueous phase which can comprise suitable potable water or a solution of H1 materials in such potable water diluents. The oleophilic diluents can comprise typically available edible oils. The lubricants of the invention can take the form of a single phase of the formulation. Such single phase can comprise a solution of oleophilic materials in an oleophilic medium or can comprise aqueous soluble components in an aqueous medium.

[0012] The aqueous or oleophilic diluents contemplated above can be combined with a variety of lubricant materials. Lubricant materials can be used as is or in combination with a variety of other functional additives for their known uses. The following non-exclusive list provides direction for selecting H-1 ingredients. This list of ingredients should be read in concert with 21 C.F.R. §§1.172, 1.178 and 1.182 which are expressly incorporated by reference herein for a description of foodgrade or H-1 qualified materials and their uses.

Antioxidants

[0013] Anoxomer; L-Ascorbic acid; Ascorbyl palmitate; Ascorbyl stearate; &ggr;-Butyl hydroquinone; Calcium ascorbate; Calcium lactate; Calcium phosphate (dibasic); Clove and Coffee bean extract; Disodium citrate; distearyl thiodipropionate; Dodecyl galleate; Edetic acid; Erythorbic acid; Ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline; Eucalyptus oil; Fumaric acid; Gallic acid; Gentian extract; Gualec gum; n-Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Heptyl paraben; Hesperetin; 4-Hydroxymethyl-2,6-dl-t-butanol; Isopropyl citrate; Lecithin; Nordihydrogueretic acid; Octyl gallate; Oryzanol; Phosphatidyicholine; Phosphoric acid; Pimento extract; Potassium citrate; Potassium metabisulfite; Potassium phosphate; Potassium sulfite; Propylene glycol; Rapeseed oil; Rice bran extract; Sage extract; Sodium ascorbete; Sodium carbonate; Sodium citrate; Sodium erythorbate; Sodium hypophosphite; Sodium metabisulfite; Sodium sulfite; Sodium tartrate; sodium thiosulfate (anhyd); Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate; Stannous chloride (anhyd); Stannous chloride (dihydrate); Sucrose; L-Tartaric acid; d-a-Tocopheral; dl-a-Tocophenol; 2,4,5-Trihydroxybutyrophenol.

Binders

[0014] Albumin macro aggregates; Aluminum caprylate; Aluminum stearate; Arabinogalactan Calcium stearate; Caprylic/capric acid; Carboxymethylcellulose sodium; Carboxymethyl cellulose; Carrageenan; Cellulose; Dextrin; Food starch modified; Gluconolactone; Hydrogenated stearic acid; Hydrogenated vegetable oil; Magnesium stearate; Methoxyethanol; Methylcellulose; Microcrystalline cellulose; Mineral oil; Nonoynol-7; Oleic acid; Pea protein concentrate; various liquid and thickened solid polyethylene glycol compositions PEG-4; PEG-6; PEG-8; PEG-9; PEG-12; PEG-14; PEG-16; PEG-24; PEG-32; PEG-40; PEG-75; PEG-100; PEG-150; PEG-200; Polyethylene glycol; Potassium oleate; Potassium polymetaphosphate; Potassium stearate; Potassium tripolyphosphate; Rennet Sodium cassinate; Sodium hexametaphosphate; Sodium laurate; Sodium metaphosposphate; Sodium myristate; Sodium oleate; Sodium palmitate; Sodium stearate; Soy acid; Soy protein; Tallow acid; Trimyriatin; Whey, dry; Whey protein conc; Whey, reduced lactose; Whey, reduced minerals; Zanthan gum.

Bleaching Agents or Decolorizing Agents

[0015] Acetone peroxide Ammonium persulfate; Azodicarbonamide; Benzoyl peroxide Carbon, activated; Catalase; Chloromethylated aminated styrene divinylbenzene resin ammonium chloride; H2O2·BrO3; Lipoxidase; Sodium hydrosulfite; Sodium hypochlorite; Sodium metabisulfite; Sodium sulfite; Sulfur dioxide.

Emulsifiers

[0016] Acacia; Acetylated hydrogenated coconut glycerides; Acetylated hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride; Acetylated hydrogenated soybean oil glyceride; Acetylated lard glyceride; Acetylated mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Acetylated tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Acyl lactylates; Agar; Albumen; Algin; Alginic acid; Aluminum caprylate; Aluminum stearate; Ammonium alginate; Ammonium carrageenan; Ammonium furcelleran; Ammonium phosphate, dibasic; Arabinogalactan; Ascorbyl palmitate; Bakers yeast extract; Bentonite Calcium carrageenan; Calcium citrate; Calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate; Calcium furcelleran; Calcium lactate; Calcium phosphate monobasic monohydrate; Calcium phosphate tribasic; Calcium/sodium stearoyl lactylate; Calcium stearate; Calcium stearoyl lactylate; Canola oil glyceride; Capric triglyceride; Caprylic/capric triglyceride; Capryllic triglyceride; Carrageenan; Cellulose; Cholesterol; Cholic acid; Coconut oil; Corn glycerides; Corn oil; Cottonseed glyceride; Cottonseed oil; Damer; Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides; Disodium citrate; Disodium phosphate, dihydrate; Disodium pyrophosphate; Furcelleran; Glyceryl caprate; Glyceryl caprylate/caprate; Glyceryl citrate/lactate/linoleate/oleate; Glyceryl cocoate; Glyceryl cottonseed oil; Glyceryl dioleate; Glyceryl dioleste SE; Glyceryl disterate; Glyceryl distearate SE; Glyceryl d/tribehenate; Glyceryl lactoesters; Glyceryl lactoeleate; Glyceryl lactopalmitate/stearate; Glyceryl laurate; Glyceryl laurate SE; Glyceryl linoleate; Glyceryl mono/dilaurate; Glyceryl mono/dioleate; Glyceryl mono/distearate; Glyceryl mono/distearate-palmitate; Glyceryl oleate; Glyceryl oleate SE; Glyceryl palmitate; Glyceryl palmitate lactate; Glyceryl palmitate stearate; Glyceryl ricinoleate; Glyceryl ricinoleate SE; Glyceryl soyate; Glyceryl stearate; Glyceryl stearate citrate; Glyceryl state lactate; Glyceryl stearate SE; Guar gum Gum ghelti; Hydrogenated cottonseed glyceride; Hydrogenated lard glyceride; Hydrogenated lard glycerides; Hydrogenated palm glyceride; Hydrogenated rapeseed oil; Hydrogenated soybean glycerides; Hydrogenated soy glyceride; Hydrogenated tallow glyceride; Hydrogenated tallow glyceride citrate; Hydrogenated tallow glyceride lactate; Hydrogenated tallow glycerides; Hydrogenated vegetable glyceride; Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides; Hydrogenated vegetable oil. Hydroxylated lecithin; Hydroxypropylcellulose; Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; Karaya gum; Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Lactylic esters of fatty acids; Lard; Lard glyceride; Lard glycerides; Lecithin; Locust bean gum; Magnesium stearate; Methylcellulose; Methyl ethyl cellulose; Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Mono- and diglycerides, sodium phosphate derives; Octenyl succinic anhydride; Oleth-23; Palm glyceride; Palm oil; Palm oil sucroglyceride; Peanut glycerides; Peanut oil; Pea protein concentrate; Pectin; PEG-20 dilaurate; PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate; PEG-20 glyceryl stearate; PEG-40 sorbitan hexataliate; PEG-20 sorbitan tritaliate; PEG-6 stearate; PEG-8 stearate; PEG-40 stearate; Pentapotassium triphosphate; Phosphatidylcholine; Polyglyceryl-10 decasterate; Polyglyceryl-10 decastearate; Polyglyceryl-2 dilsostearate; Polyglyceryl-3 dilsostearate; Polyglyceryl-5 dilsostearate; Polyglyceryl-3 dioleate; Polyglyceryl-6 dioleate; Polyglyceryl-10 dioleate; Polyglyceryl-10 dipalmitate; Polyglyceryl-2 distearate; Polyglyceryl-3 distearate; Polyglyceryl-5 distearate; Polyglyceryl-6 distearate; Polyglyceryl-10 distearate; Polyglyceryl-8 hexaoleate; Polyglyceryl-10 hexaoleate; Polyglyceryl-10 isostearate; Polyglycaryl-10 laurate; Polyglyceryl-10 linoleate; Polyglyceryl-10 myristate; Polyglyceryl-2 oleate; Polyglyceryl-3 oleate; Polyglyceryl-4 oleate; Polyglyceryl-6 oleate; Polyglyceryl-8 oleate; Polyglyceryl-4 pentaoleate; Polyglyceryl-10 pentaoleate; Polyglyceryl-4 pentastearate; Polyglyceryl polyyricinoleate; Polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate; Polyglyceryl-2 stearate; Polyglyceryl-3 stearate; Polyglyceryl-4 stearate; Polyglyceryl-8 stearate; Polyglyceryl-10 stearate; Polyglyceryl-10 tetraoleate; Polyglyceryl-2 tetrastearate; Polyglyceryl-2 trisosterate; Polyglyceryl -4 tristearate; Polysorbate 20; Polysorbate 21, Potassium alginate; Potassium citrate; Potassium furcelleran; Potassium oleate; Potassium phosphate dibasic; Potassium phosphate tribasic; Potassium polymetaphosphate; Potassium sodium tartrate anhyd; Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate; Potassium tripolyphosphate; Propylane glycol; Propylene glycol alginate; Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate; Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids; Propylene glycol laurate; Propylene glycol laurate SE; Propylane glycol monodistearate; Propylene glycol oleate; Propylene glycol oleate SE; Propylene glycol palmitate; Propylene glycol ricinoleate; Propylene glycol ricinoleate SE; Propylene glycol ricinoleate SE; Propylene glycol stearate; Propylene glycol stearate SE; Rapeseed oil glyceride; Saccharose distearate; Saccharose mono/distearate; Saccharose palmitate; Safflower glyceride; Safflower oil; Sodium acid pyrophosphate; Sodium aluminum phosphate acid; Sodium aluminum phosphate, basic; Sodium carrageenan; Sodium caseinate; Sodium furcellaran; Sodium hexametaphosphate; Sodium hypophosphite; Sodium laurate; Sodium lauryl sulfate; Sodium metaphosphate; Sodium phosphate dibasic; Sodium phosphate tribasic; Sodium phosphate tribasic dodecahydrate; Sodium stearate; Sodium stearoyl lactylate; Sodium tartrate; Sorbitan caprylate; Sorbitan myristate; Sorbitan palmitate; Sorbitan sesquioleate; Sorbitan sesquistearate; Sorbitan stearate; Sorbitan trioleate; Sorbitan tristearate; Sorbitan tritallate; Soybean oil; Soy protein; Steareth-20; Stearyl-2-lactyle acid; Succinylated monoglycerides; Succistearin; Sucrose dilaurata; Sucrose distearate; Sucrose erucate; Sucrose fatty acid esters; Sucrose laurate; Sucrose myristate; Sucrose oleate; Sucrose palmitate; Sucrose polylaurate; Sucrose polylinoleate; Sucrose polyoleate; Sucrose polystearate; Sucrose stearate; Sucrose tetrastearate triacetate; Sucrose tribehenete; Sucrose tristerate; Sunflower seed oil; Sunflower seed oil glyceride; Sunflower seed oil glycerides; Superglycerinated hydrogenated rapeseed oil; Tallow glyceride; Tallow glycerides; Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate; Tetrasodium pyrophosphate; Tragacanth gum; Triaodium citrate; Xanthan gum.

Lipid/Grease

[0017] Acetylated hydrogenated coconut glycerides; Acetylated hydrogenated soybean oil glyceride; Acetylated mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Beeswax; C8-10 fatty acid triglyceride; Calcium carbonate; Calcium silicate; Calcium stearate; Candle wax; Capric acid; Caprylic acid; Caprylic/capric acid; Carnauba; Castor oil; Coconut oil; Cottonseed oil; Dimethicone; Ethylene distearamide; Glyceryl dioleate; Glyceryl dioleate SE; Glyceryl distearate; Glyceryl distearate; SE: Glyceryl laurate SE; Glyceryl oleate SE; Glyceryl ricinoleate; SE; Glyceryl stearate; Glyceryl tricaprylate/caprate; Glyceryl trienanthate; Hydrogenated sperm oil; Hydrogenated stearic acid; Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides phosphate; Hydrogenated vegetable oil; Lecithin; Linoleamide; Magnesium carbonate hydroxide; Magnesium oxide; Magnesium silicate; Magnesium stearate; D-Mannitol; Microcrystalline cellulose; Microcrystalline wax; Mineral oil; Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Mono- and diglycerides; sodium phosphate derivatives; Oleamide; Oleyl alcohol; Oxystearin; Palmitamide; Palmitic acid; Palm oil; PEG-4; PEG-8; PEG-9; PEG-12; PEG-14; PEG-16; PEG-20; PEG-32; PEG-40; PEG-75; PEG-100; PEG-150; PEG-200; PEG-6 oleate; PEG-8 oleate; Petrolatum; Polyethylene glycol; Rice bran wax; Sodium glyceryl oleate phosphate; Soy acid; Soybean oil; Stearamide; Stearic acid; Sucrose dilaurate; Sucrose distearate; Sucrose laurate; Sucrose myristate; Sucrose polylaurate; Sucrose polylinoleate; Sucrose polyoleate; Sucrose stearate; Sucrose tetrastearate triecetate; Sucrose tribahanate; Talc; Trimyristin; Tristearin.

Oxidizing Agents or Reducing Agents

[0018] NaO4; Benzoyl peroxide; Calcium peroxide; Catalase; L-Cystaine; ClO2; H2O2; KOH Sodium thiosulfate anhyd; Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate; Stannous chloride anhyd.

Buffers, pH Modifiers

[0019] Ammonia diphosphate; Ammonium alum; Ammonium bicarbonate; Ammonium carbonate; Ammonium isovalerate; Ammonium phosphate; Ammonium phosphate, dibasic; Calcium acetate; Calcium chloride; Calcium citrate; Calcium gluconate; Calcium hydroxide; Calcium lactate; Calcium phosphate monobasic monohydrate; Calcium pyrophosphate; Calcium sulfate; Carbon dioxide; Citric acid; Cyclamic acid; Disodium citrate; Disodium phosphate; dihydrate; Disodium succinate; Fumaric acid; D-Gluconic acid; Gluconolactone; Glycine; Hydrochloric acid; N-Hydroxysuccinic acid; a-Ketoglutaric acid; Lactic acid; Magnesium carbonate; Magnesium carbonate hydroxide; Magnesium hydroxide; Magnesium oxide; Magnesium phosphate; dibasic; Magnesium phosphate; tribasic Pentapotassium triphosphate; Potassium acetate; Potassium alum dodecahydrate; Potassium bicarbonate; Potassium carbonate; Potassium chloride; Potassium citrate; KOH; Potassium lactate; Potassium phosphate; Potassium phosphate dibasic; Potassium phosphate tribasic; Potassium polymetaphosphate; Potassium sodium tartrate anhyd; Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate; Sodium acetate trihydrate; Sodium acid pyrophosphate; Sodium alum; Sodium aluminum phosphate acidic; Sodium bicarbonate; Sodium bisulfate; Sodium bisulfate solid; Sodium carbonate; Sodium citrate; Sodium diacetate; Sodium fumerate; Sodium lactate; Sodium metaphosphate; Sodium phosphate; Sodium phosphate dibasic; Sodium phosphate tribasic; Sodium phosphate tribasic dodecahydrate; Sodium sesquicarbonate; Sodium succinate; Sodium tartrate; Succinic acid; Succinic anhydride; Sulfuric acid; Tannic acid; L-Tartaric acid; Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate; Trisodium citrate.

Thickeners

[0020] Agar; Alcohol; Ammonium persulfate; Anoxomer; L-Ascorbic acid; Ascorbyl palmitate Benzylparaben; Butylparaben; Calcium acetate; Calcium ascorbate; Calcium banzoate; Calcium bromide; Calcium chloride; Calcium citrate; Calcium disodium EDTA; Calcium formate; Calcium propionate; Calcium sorbate; Caprylic acid; Carbon dioxide; Catalese; Cetalkonium chloride; Chlorine; Corlander oil; Dehydroacetic acid; 2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide; Diethyl fumarate; Dilauryl thlodipropionate; Dimethyl dicarbonate; Dimethyl fumarate; Disodium cyanodithiomidocarbonate; Distearyl citrate Erythorbic acid; 8-Ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline; Ethylenediaminie; Ethyl fumarate; Ethyl paraben; Glucose oxidase; Gluteral; Glyceryl cottonseed oil n-Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Heptyl paraben; Hexamethylene tetramine; Hydrogen peroxide; 4-Hydroxymethyl-2,6-di-t-butylphenol; Imazall; Isobutyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Isopropyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Lauralkonium chloride; Methyl fumarate; Myristalkonium chloride; Nabam; Natarmycin; Nisin; Potassium acid tartrate; Potassium benzoate; Potassium bleufite; Potassium butyl paraben; Potassium ethylparaben; Potassium metabisulfite; Potassium N-methyldithiocarbonate; Potassium nitrate; Potassium nitrite; Potassium propylparaben; Potassium sorbate; Potassium sulfite; Potassium trichlorophenate; Propylparaben; Relinol; Retinyl acetate; Salicylic acid; Sodium acid pyrophosphate; Sodium ascorbate; Sodium benzoate; Sodium bisulfate solid; Sodium bisulfite; Sodium butylparaben; Sodium chloride; Sodium dehydroacetate; Sodium diacetate; Sodium dimethyldithiocarbanate; Sodium formate; Sodium hypophosphite; Sodium metabisulfite; Sodium methylparaben; Sodium nitrate; Sodium nitrite; Sodium pentachlorophenate; Sodium propylparaben; Sodium sorbate; Sodium sulfite; Sorbic acid; Stannous chloride anhyd; Stearalkonium chloride; Stearyl citrate; Sucrose; Sucrose erucate; Sulfur dioxide; n-Tetradecyl dimethyl ethybenzyl ammonium chloride; Thiabendazole; d-a-Tocopherol; Tragecanth gum; 2,4,5-Trihydroxybutyrophenone; Tristearyl citrate; Zinc chloride.

Processing Aids

[0021] Acacia; Acetone; Acrylates/acrylamide copolymer; Agar; Albumen; Alcohol; Algin; Alginic acid; Ammonia; Ammonium alum; Ammonium chloride; Ammonium hydroxide; Ammonium phosphate, dibasic; Bentonite; Bromelain; Calcium acetate; Calcium chloride; Calcium glutonate; Calcium hydroxide; Calcium silicate; Calcium/sodium stearoyl lactylate; Calcium sulfate; Candida guillermonda; Candida lipolytica; Caramel; Carbohydraes; Carbohydrase-cellilase; Carbohydrase from Aspergillus niger; Carbohydrase from Rhizopus oryzea; Carbon, activated; Carbon balck; Carbon dioxide; Carnauba; Casein; Catalase; Cellulase; Cellulose; Chlorine; Chloromethylated aminated styrene-divinylbanzene resin; Cobalt; Cocamide DEA; Cocoa butter substitute; Coconut oil; Copper; Corn oil; Cottonseed flour, partially defatted, cooked; Cottonseed oil; Cupric sulfate (anhydrous); Cupric sulfate (pentahydrate); cyclodextrin; Dextrin; Dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; Distomaceious earth; Diethylaminoethyl cellulose; Dimethylamine/epichlorohydrin copolymer; Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.

Sequestrants

[0022] Ascorbyl palmitate; Calcium acetate; Calcium chloride; Calcium citrate; Calcium diacetate; Calcium disodium EDTA; Calcium gluconate; Calcium hexametaphosphate; Calcium phosphate monobasic monohydrate; Calcium phylate; Citric acid; Disodium citrate; Disodium pyrophosphate; Distearyl citrate; Gluconolactone; Isopropyl citrate; Oxystearin; Pentapotassium triphosphate; Pentasodium triphosphate; Potassium citrate; Potassium D-gluconate; Potassium phosphate; Potassium phosphate tribasic; Potassium sodium tartrate anhyd; Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate; Sodium acid phosphate; Sodium acid pyrophosphate; Sodium carbonate; Sodium diacetate; Sodium hexametaphosphate; Sodium metaphosphate; Sodium phosphate; Sodium phosphate dibasic; Sodium phosphate tribasic; Sodium tartrate; Sodium thiosulfate anhyd; Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate; Starch; Succinic acid; Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate; Tetrasodium pyrophosphate; Triethyl citrate; Tristearyl citrate.

Solubilizers

[0023] Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Glyceryl caprylate; Glyceryl caprylate/caprate; Isocetyl alcohol; Monoglyceride citrate; Nonoxynol-16-14 PEG-6 dilaurate; PEG-20 dilaurate; PEG-32 dilaurate; PEG-75 dilaurate; PEG-150 dilaurate; PEG-6 dioleate; PEG-20 dioleate; PEG-32 dioleate; PEG-75 dioleate; PEG-150 dioleate; PEG-6 distearate; PEG-20 distearate; PEG-32 distearate; PEG-75 distearate; PEG-20 glyceryl isostearate; PEG-30 glyceryl isostearate; PEG-20 glyceryl laurate; PEG-30 glyceryl laurate; PEG-20 glyceryl oleate; PEG-30 glyceryl oleate; PEG-15 glyceryl ricinoleate; PEG-30 glyceryl stearate; PEG-25 glyceryl trioleate; PEG-50 hydrogenated castor oil; PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil; PEG-32 laurate; PEG-8 oleate; PEG-32 oleate; PEG-40 sorbitan dilisostearate; PEG-80 sorbitan laurate; PEG-20 sorbitan tritaltate; PEG-32 stearate; PEG-75 stearate; Poloxamer 105; Poloxamer 108; Poloxamer 123; Poloxamer 124; Poloxamer 181; Poloxamer 182; Poloxamer 184; Poloxamer 185; Poloxamer 188; Poloxamer 212; Poloxamer 215; Poloxamer 217; Poloxamer 231; Poloxamer 234; Poloxamer 235; Poloxamer 237; Poloxamer 238; Poloxamer 282; Poloxamer 284; Poloxamer 288; Poloxamer 231; Poloxamer 333; Poloxamer 334; Poloxamer 335; Poloxamer 338; Poloxamer 401; Poloamer 402; Poloxamer 403; Poloxamer 407; Polyglyceryl-10 hexaoleate; Polysorbate 40; Polysorbate 61; Polysorbate 80; Polysorbate 81; Polysorbate 85; Sorbitan laurate; Sucrose distearate; Sucrose stearate; Triolein.

Surfactant

[0024] Algin; Alumina; Ammoniated glycyrrhizin; Ammonium caseinate; Calcium lignosulfonate; Calcium silicate; Calcium/sodium stearoyl lactylate; Carboxymethyl methylcellulose; Cellulose; Citric acid; Cobalt sulfate (ous); Glyceryl caprylate; Glyceryl cottonseed oil; Glyceryl dioleate; Glyceryl dioleate SE; Glyceryl distearate; Glyceryl distearate SE; Glyceryl isostearate; Glyceryl laurate; Glyceryl laurate SE; Glyceryl oleate; Glyceryl oleate SE; Glyceryl ricinoleate; Glyceryl ricinoleate SE; Glyceryl stearate SE; Guar gum; Hydrogenated lard glyceride; Hydrogenated lard glycerides; Hydrogenated palm glyceride; Hydrogenated soybean glycerides; Hydrogenated soy glyceride; Hydrogenated tallow glyceride; Hydrogenated tallow glycerides; Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides; Hydroxypropylcellulose; Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol; Lactylic esters of fatty acids; Lard glycerides; Licorice; Licorice extract; Licorice root extract; Methyl ethyl cellulose; Methyl glucoside-coconut oil ester; Microcrystalline cellulose; Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids; Mono- and diglycerides; sodium phosphate derivatives; Nonoxynol-10; Nonoxynol-11 Palm glyceride; Palm oil sucroglyceride; Pea protein concentrate; PEG-32 dilaurate; PEG-75 dilaurate; PEG-150 dilaurate; PEG-6 dioleate; PEG-20 dioleate; PEG-32 dioleate; PEG-75 dioleate; PEG-150 dioleate; PEG-6 distearate; PEG-20 distearate; PEG-32 distearate; PEG-75 distearate; PEG-32 laurate; PEG-6 oleate; PEG-8 oleate; PEG-32 oleate; PEG-75 oleate; PEG-80 sorbitan laurate; PEG-20 sorbitan tritalate; PEG-32 stearate; PEG-75 stearate; Phosphatidylcholine; Poloxamer 105; Poloxamer 122; Poloxamer 123; Poloxamer 124; Poloxamer 181; Poloxamer 182; Poloxamer 183; Poloxamer 184; Poloxamer 185; Poloxamer 188; Poloxamer 331; Poloxamer 333; Poloxamer 334; Poloxamer 335; Poloxamer 338; Poloxamer 401; Poloxamer 402; Poloxamer 403; Poloxamer 407; Polyethylene glycol; Polyglyceryl-10 dipalmitate; Polyglyceryl-10 hexaoleate; Polyglyceryl-10 stearate; Polysorbate 20; Polysorbate 40; Polysorbate 60; Polysorbate 80; Polysorbate 85; Poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) homopolymer; Potassium acid tartrate; Potassium persulfate; Potassium tripolyphosphate; Propylene glycol; Propylene glycol alginate; PVP Quilfala Simethicone; Sodium acid pyrophosphate; Sodium decylbenzane sulfonate; Sodium glyceryl oleate phosphate; Sodium lauryl sulfate; Sodium stearoyl lactylate; Sorbitan sesquiloleate; Sorbitan tritaliate; Sucrose dilaurate; Sucrose distearate; Sucrose erucate; Sucrose laurate; Sucrose myristate; Sucrose stearate; Sucrose tribehanate; Sunflower seed oil glycerides Tallow glycerides; Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate; Tetrasodium pyrophosphate Xanthan gum; Yucca.

[0025] The following Examples of formulations exemplify the inventive concepts and provide a best mode. 1 H-1 Raw Material % Weight Example 1 Glycerin (96% active) 75.7 DI Water 20.3 Lambert E-2175 Silicone emulsion 2 Example 2 Glycerin (96% active) 77.24 DI Water 20.71 Lambert E-2175 Silicone emulsion 2.05 Example 3 Glycerin (96% active) 77.95 DI Water 20.1 Mineral Seal Oil (White Oil) 4.95 Example 4 Glycerin (96% active) 7.24 DI Water 0.71 Mineral Seal Oil (White Oil) 2.05 Example 5 Glycerin (96%) 56.76 Lambert E-2140-FG 1.54 Silicone emulsion DI Water 41.7 Example 6 Glycerin (96%) 55.66 Lambert E-2175 Silicone emulsion 1.47 DI Water 42.87

[0026] The following materials can be made: 2 H-1 Raw Material % Weight Example 7 C10-16 Fatty acid mixture, potassium salt 2 Polyethylene glycol (PEG 24) 10 Polysorbate surfactant (TWEEN 20) 0.1 water 87.9 Example 8 C10-16 Fatty acid mixture, potassium salt 3 Polyethylene glycol dioleate (PEG 32) 12 Polysorbate surfactant (TWEEN 40) 0.1 Polysorbate 40; EO40 Sorbate laurate ester water 84.9 Example 9 Poloxamer 284; EO21PO47EO21 10 polysorbate surfactant (Tween 80) 2 Polysorbate 80; EO80 Sorbate laurate ester Water 88

[0027] The materials of Examples 5-6, comprising an H-1 silicone emulsion were blended such that the silicone was in the form of a microemulsion in a continuous aqueous phase containing glycerine. Examples 3 and 4 were agitated until the white oil uniformly dispersed in the continuous aqueous phase containing glycerin.

[0028] The product of Example 1 was tested for COF. FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the friction data arising from the testing done with the Lubricant of Example 1. The results are as follows: 3 Lube (Ex. 1) Applied COF Lube Applied Lub per unit area g unitless parameter g g.sq In 4 0.0846 4 0.002564 5 0.0717 5 0.003205 7 0.066 7 0.004487 10 0.0554 10 0.006410 15 0.0584 15 0.009615 20 0.0621 20 0.012821 Conveyor surface: 2 × 3.25″ × 20 ft = 6.5″ × 2012 = 1560 sq. In

[0029] The determination of lubricity (Coefficient of friction (COF) of the lubricant was measured on a short track conveyor system. The conveyor was equipped with two belts from Rexnord. The belt was Rexnord LF (polyacetal) thermoplastic belt of 3.25″ width and 20 ft long. The lubricant was applied to the dry conveyor surface evenly with a bottle wash brush. The conveyor system was run at a speed of 100 ft/min. Six 2 L bottles filled with beverage were stacked in a rack on the track with a total weight of 16.15 kg. The rack was connected to a strain gauge by a wire. As the belts moved, force was exerted on the strain gauge by the pulling action of the rack on the wire. A computer recorded the pull strength.

[0030] The belt is allowed to run for about 15 minutes during which time a consistently low COF is observed. The COF is calculated on the basis of the measured force and the mass of the bottles, averaged over the run duration.

[0031] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. A method of lubricating a surface at the interface between a container and a moving conveyor, the method comprising:

(a) forming a continuous thin coating of a liquid lubricant composition on a container contact surface of a conveyor; and

(b) moving a container, the container adapted for a food composition, on the container contact surface in order to transport the container from a first location to a second location;

wherein during the method of lubricating, the food composition, coming in direct, incidental or indirect contact with the lubricant, obtains a measurable concentration of the lubricant composition but remains fit for human consumption.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the food comprises a liquid food in an open bottle.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the food comprises a liquid food in an open can.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricated container surface can come into direct contact with a user.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the food comprises a solid food in an open can.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the food comprises a complex food composition having an aqueous phase and a solid phase in an open carton.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the food is in the form of a frozen food in an open carton.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade lipid.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous solution comprising a foodgrade emulsifier.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant comprises a foodgrade polymeric thickener composition.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade chelating agent.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant composition comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade surfactant.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a silicone oil, a mineral oil or mixtures thereof.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant composition comprises an effective amount of glycerin and a silicone polymer.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant composition comprises glycerin and a white oil.

16. The lubricant of claim 1 wherein the lubricant composition comprises glycerin and a natural oil.

17. The lubricant of claim 1 wherein the natural oil comprises a fatty acid.

18. The lubricant of claim 16 wherein the fatty acid is neutralized by sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

19. The lubricant of claim 16 wherein the natural oil comprises a fatty acid ester.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the lubricant comprises an (EO)x(PO)y (EO)z surfactant block copolymer wherein EO represents ethylene oxide residue, PO represents propylene oxide residue, x equals an integer of about 2 to about 100, y equals an integer of about 2 to about 100 and z equals an integer of about 2 to about 100.

21. A business method of food packaging, the method comprises lubricating a surface at the interface between a container and a moving conveyor, the business method comprising steps of:

(a) forming a continuous thin film of a liquid lubricant composition on a container contact surface of a conveyor; and

(b) moving a container, the container having a food composition, on the container contact surface in order to transport the container from a first location to a second location wherein during the method of lubricating, the food composition in direct, incidental or indirect contact with the lubricant, obtains a measurable concentration of the lubricant composition but remains fit for human consumption; and

wherein the use of food grade materials in the lubricant reduces business risk, cost of product replacement or insurance cost.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the food comprises a liquid food in an bottle.

23. The lubricant of claim 21 wherein the lubricant composition comprises glycerin and a natural oil.

24. The lubricant of claim 21 wherein the natural oil comprises a fatty acid.

25. The lubricant of claim 23 wherein the fatty acid is neutralized by sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

26. The lubricant of claim 23 wherein the natural oil comprises a fatty acid ester.

27. The method of claim 21 wherein the food comprises a beverage in an can.

28. The method of claim 21 wherein the food comprises a complex food composition having an aqueous phase and a solid phase in an open carton.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein the solid food is in the form of a frozen food in an open carton.

30. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade lipid.

31. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous solution comprising a foodgrade emulsifier.

32. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises a foodgrade polymeric thickener composition.

33. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade chelating agent.

34. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant composition comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade surfactant.

35. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a silicone oil, a mineral oil or mixtures thereof.

36. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant composition comprises an effective amount of glycerin and a silicone polymer.

37. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant composition comprises glycerin and a white oil.

38. The method of claim 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an (EO)x(PO)y(PO)z surfactant block copolymer wherein EO represents ethylene oxide residue, PO represents propylene oxide residue, x equals an integer of about 2 to about 100, y equals an integer of about 2 to about 100 and z equals a integer of about 2 to 100.

39. The method of claim 1 or 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous solution comprising a major proportion of water and from about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a potassium salt of a fatty acid, about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a polyethylene glycol and about 0.1 to 20 wt % of a polysorbate surfactant comprising fatty acid ester of sorbic acid having from about 5 to about 100 moles of ethylene oxide.

40. The method of claim 1 or 21 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous solution comprising a major proportion of water and from about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of a surfactant comprising (EO)x(PO)y(EO)z wherein x, y and z are independently selected from the group of numbers that range from about 2 to about 100; and about 0.1 to 10 wt % of a sorbate surfactant comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbic acid having from about 2 to about 100 moles of ethylene oxide.

41. The method of claim 1 or 21 wherein a residue of the lubricant remains in the food or on the container such that the residue can be ingested by a consumer.

42. The method of claim 1 or 21 wherein the foodgrade lubricant comprises an edible oil.

43. The method of claim 1 or 21 wherein the lubricant composition comprises a silicone oil.

44. A business method of food packaging, the method comprises lubricating a surface at the interface between a container and a moving conveyor, the business method comprising steps of:

(a) forming a continuous thin film of a liquid lubricant composition on a container contact surface of a conveyor; and

(b) moving a container, the container adapted for a food composition, on the container contact surface in order to transport the container from a first location to a second location wherein during the method of lubricating, the container in direct, incidental or indirect contact with the lubricant, obtains a measurable concentration of the lubricant composition but the container remains suitable for use in conjunction with human consumption; and

wherein the use of food grade materials in the lubricant reduces business risk, cost of product replacement or insurance cost.

45. The lubricant of claim 44 wherein the lubricant composition comprises glycerin and a natural oil.

46. The lubricant of claim 44 wherein the natural oil comprises a fatty acid.

47. The lubricant of claim 45 wherein the fatty acid is neutralized by sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

48. The lubricant of claim 45 wherein the natural oil comprises a fatty acid ester.

49. The method of claim 44 wherein the container comprises an open can.

50. The method of claim 44 wherein wherein the container comprises a carton.

51. The method of claim 49 wherein wherein the container comprises an carton.

52. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade lipid.

53. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous solution comprising a foodgrade emulsifier.

54. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant comprises a foodgrade polymeric thickener composition.

55. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade chelating agent.

56. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant composition comprises an aqueous composition comprising a foodgrade surfactant.

57. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant comprises an aqueous composition comprising a silicone oil, a mineral oil or mixtures thereof.

58. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant composition comprises an effective amount of glycerin and a silicone polymer.

59. The method of claim 44 wherein the lubricant composition comprises glycerin and a white oil.