Multilayer barrier structures, methods of making the same and packages made therefrom
OwnerMichael J. Douglas, Duane H. Buelow +3inventors
InventorsMichael J. Douglas, Duane H. Buelow, Chad D. Mueller, Robert J. Blemberg, Roberto P. Castellani
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Abstract
Multilayer structures, methods of making the same and packages made therefrom are provided. The multilayer structures are useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products. More specifically, the multilayer structures have sufficient rigidity and strength to contain bone-in meat or other like products, while also maintaining good oxygen barrier properties. In addition, multilayer structures can easily seal to themselves or to other structures. Moreover, the multilayer structures are biaxially oriented and heat-shrinkable.
Claims40
A multilayer structure for packaging bone-in meat comprising:
- an outer layer comprising a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene;
- a first polyamide layer comprising a blend of between about 70% by weight and about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide;
- a first tie layer disposed between said outer layer and said first polyamide layer;
- a barrier layer disposed adjacent said first polyamide layer wherein said barrier layer comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %;
- a second polyamide layer disposed adjacent said barrier layer comprising a blend of between about 70% by weight and about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide, and between about 1% by weight and about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide;
- a sealant layer comprising a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene wherein said sealant layer comprises a greater volume percent of the multilayer structure than said outer layer;
- and
- a second tie layer disposed between said sealant layer and said second polyamide layer.
A package for bone-in meat comprising:
- a first wall comprising a multilayer structure comprising an outer layer comprising a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene;
- a first polyamide layer comprising a blend of about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide;
- a first tie layer disposed between said outer layer and said first polyamide layer;
- a barrier layer disposed adjacent to said first polyamide layer wherein said barrier layer comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %;
- a second polyamide layer disposed adjacent said barrier layer comprising a blend of about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide;
- a sealant layer comprising a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene wherein said sealant layer comprises a greater volume percent of the multilayer structure than said outer layer;
- and a second tie layer disposed between said sealant layer and said second polyamide layer.
A method of making a multilayer for packaging bone-in meat comprising the steps of:
- coextruding a multilayer structure comprising an outer layer comprising a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene;
- a first polyamide layer comprising a blend of between about 70% by weight and about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide;
- a first tie layer disposed between said outer layer and said first polyamide layer;
- a barrier layer disposed adjacent said first polyamide layer wherein said barrier layer comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %;
- a second polyamide layer disposed adjacent said barrier layer comprising a blend of between about 70% by weight and about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide, and between about 1% by weight and about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide;
- a sealant layer comprising a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene wherein said sealant layer comprises a greater volume percent of the multilayer structure than the outer layer;
- and a second tie layer disposed between said sealant layer and said second polyamide layer;
- and
- biaxially orienting said multilayer structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.