WO2024241113A1

WO2024241113A1 - Packaging comprising a tubular body

Info

Publication number: WO2024241113A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/053932
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gilles Demaurex; Joachim Pellissier
Original assignee: Aisapack Holding SA
Current assignee: Aisapack Holding SA
Priority date: 2023-05-25
Filing date: 2024-04-23
Publication date: 2024-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-25
Also published as: EP4467475A1; CN121285513A; MX2025013355A

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging, such as a tube, a bottle or a can, comprising a tubular body (2) with at least a first end (3), said body comprising essentially a low cohesion material, and a component (7,7'), wherein said component (7,7') comprises at least a first element (4) and a second element (5) said first and second element comprising essentially a low cohesion material, and wherein said component (7,7') is assembled to end (3) of the tubular body (2) by fixing the first element (4) to an inner surface of the tubular body (2) and the second element (4,5) to an outer surface of the tubular body (2).

Description

PACKAGING COMPRISING A TUBULAR BODY

CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

The present PCT application claims priority to earlier European Patent application N° EP23175304.7 filed on May 25, 2023 in the name of AISAPACK HOLDING SA, the content of the earlier application being incorporated by reference in its entirety in the present PCT application.

TECHNICALAREA

The present invention is in the field of packaging, in particular packaging based on cellulose or essentially based on cellulose. It relates more specifically to packaging comprising a tubular body (for example of cylindrical shape with a round or oval section) based on cellulose and at least a component (for example a bottom or a neck) fixed to one end of the tubular body in order to form packaging such as a tube, a bottle, a can, a cartridge or a cylindrical box.

The invention applies to the field of packaging and in particular that of flexible tubes intended to contain products such as creams or pastes; or the field of cans in replacement of aluminum; or the field of bottles for cosmetic products or the field of cylindrical containers to contain food products for example.

STATE OF THE ART

The publication WO2022053879 describes the manufacture of tubular packaging comprising a high cellulose content, and in particular the way of manufacturing the components attached to the end of the tubular body of the packaging. These components are, for example, bottoms or necks thus making it possible to obtain flexible tubes or bottles. According to publication WO2022053879, the components have a structural part and at least a functional part, the structural part having a high content of cellulose and the functional part having a reduced content of cellulose. The publication WO2022185176 describes a method for manufacturing tubular packaging by welding comprising a high cellulose content while being leaktight at its welds. The packages are, for example, flexible tubes, bottles or even cylindrical boxes. In particular, the publication WO2022185176 teaches how to obtain a seal at the level of the intersection of the longitudinal and transverse welds. This publication proposes the use of an internal welding strip which connects the ends of the tubular body placed end to end, said internal strip comprising a sealing material which becomes liquid during welding and fills the cavities formed at the intersection of the welds.

The packaging obtained from the teaching of publications WO2022053879 and WO2022185176 have a high cellulose content, good barrier properties and strong sealing. In addition, these packaging resist to high pressures in the packaging which makes them particularly interesting for multiple uses. In addition, as they contain a high content of cellulose, these packaging are mostly biosourced and easily recyclable.

Publication EP4257020, filed on April 8, 2022 and published on October 11 , 2023, that is after the priority date of the present PCT application discloses a refill for packaging and method of manufacturing. More specifically, this publication discloses a packaging comprising a refill in the form of a tubular body and a reusable cap providing functionalities to the packaging, wherein the refill forms the body of the packaging and comprises connection means cooperating with connection means of the cap to ensure the closure of the packaging and its sealing once the refill and the cap are assembled, the refill connection means being minimal and the cap connection means being complex. The invention of this prior art is in the field of packaging and in particular that of tubes or bottles composed of a refill (containing a product) and an opening and closing system and/or dosing which is it is reusable. In the context of the invention of this prior art, the reusable part is also the functional part of the packaging (opening, closing, dosage, etc.). Thus, all the functions with added value for the user are concentrated on the reusable part. In the context of the invention of this prior art, the refill and the reusable part comprise connection means allowing easy assembly of the refill with the reusable part. Publication EP 1 884 348 discloses a process for manufacturing packages by a combination of welding and gluing and package manufactured thereby. Specifically, this publication discloses a package which is formed from a multilayer thermoplastic film with abutted ends, including a first welded layer and a second partially or non-butt weldable layer and at least one thin strip covering the ends of the film, directly fixed to a surface of the second layer. The difference in m.pt. between the first layer of the laminate and the other layer(s) is more than 20°C. It also discloses a method for the production of the package by butt-welding the edges of the multilayer film, where the edges of the film are abutted, heated and cooled to carry out the welding, followed by fixing the strip(s) to the second layer to cover the ends.

Publication BE 419299 discloses a paper tube, characterized in that it is provided internally with a film coating of elastic and chemically resistant material such as rubber etc., preferably latex in its natural state, diluted, concentrated, preserved or vulcanized, this filling coating the tube without discontinuity and providing the contents of the tube with a continuous internal surface, chemically and mechanically resistant and a process for manufacturing said tube. A roll of paper which is glued using latex or a similar substance and can be made of great length and then cut according to the length of the tube, is then pushed back at one of its ends (for example on a mandrel); on the upturned edge, then inner and outer washers are applied, the washer lining the exterior of the finished tube being metallic. This process is advantageously carried out by first placing the inner washer on the mandrel, then fitting the roll of paper onto this washer and then placing the outer metallic washer after which the edge is assembled to the two washers at using an adhesive, preferably latex, with the application of pressure and heat. Into the tube thus prepared, a barrel made of synthetic material (bakelite or other) or metal, which carries a threaded end for the closure cap, is introduced taking care to make its threaded end protrude towards the outside.

Publication FR 1084646 discloses a tubular container deformable by crushing usable for the conservation of various substances whose side wall or envelope is constituted by a paper tube, characterized in that this paper tube has on its edge corresponding to its junction line with the head of the tube a fold or a rim oriented towards the interior of the tube, this rim being interposed between a peripheral zone contiguous to the edge of a disc forming the head and an attached ring or circular crown whose external diameter corresponds to the diameter of the disc of the head, said elements being able to be compressed together, by enclosing said rim, the two elements adhering both to each other and to this rim, wherein the disc forming the head of the tube and the independent circular ring or crown applying to it are made of plastic, the paper constituting the tube having been previously treated to allow its hot welding, which results in a rigid union between the plastic disc forming the head, the plastic circular ring and the rim of the tube.

However, it has been observed that such packages have low resistance to vertical load (known as "top load"). This low resistance stems in particular from the low cohesion of the cellulose layer of the cylindrical body of the packaging. This weakness limits the stacking of packaging, which makes industrial logistics, transport and distribution more complex. Indeed, there is a risk of delamination of the low cohesion layers forming the tubular body of the packaging when under strain, for example when the packagings are stacked.

The aim of the invention is in particular to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to improve the resistance of cylindrical packaging mainly made from low cohesion material such as cellulose and produced by assembly, especially their resistance to delamination.

SUMMARY AND PRINCIPLE OF THE INVENTION

An aim of the invention is to improve known methods, machines and products.

Another aim of the invention is to improve the packagings made from materials having a low cohesion, such as for example sheets based on cellulose, to improve the processes and the machines for their production.

Another object of the invention is to remedy the problems of resistance to the vertical load encountered with the tubes and packagings of the state of the art whose parts are made of materials with low cohesion, such as the sheets or molded parts which are for example based on cellulose. The invention relates to packagings based on materials that have a low cohesion, such as for example cellulose, comprising several assembled parts including at least a tubular body and a part fixed to the end of the tubular body, said fixed part being for example a bottom on which rests the package or a head comprising a system for opening and closing the packaging. In the context of the present application, this fixed part (for example a bottom and/or a head) will be generally referred to as a “component”.

In the context of the present invention, the tubular body is, for example, based on cellulose and can be monolayer or multilayer, the whole or the majority of the tubular body being formed by low cohesion materials (such as cellulose) forming a so-called "structural" layer of packaging. In addition, the tubular body may include a so-called "functional" layer (or several of said layers) to provide particular characteristics and properties to the packaging. Said functional layer(s) can be monolayer or multilayer. The discussion below in this application of such structural and functional layers (all monolayer or multilayer) and their materials for the component applies to the tubular body which may comprise identical or similar layers. Such tubular bodies with structural and functional parts/layers are also described for example in the publications WO2022053879, W02022009016, WO2022185176 and reference is made to these publications.

The invention relates more specifically to the assembly zone between the tubular body of the packaging and the component (i.e. the part(s) attached to the ends of the tubular body). It is defined in particular by the features of the claims of the present application.

According to the invention, the assembly between the tubular body and the component comprises in particular but not exclusively the confinement of the end of the tubular body between a first and a second element of the component; said first and second elements being fixed respectively on an internal surface and an external surface of the tubular body.

It has been determined by measurements and tests that the combined action of the first element and the second element makes it possible to improve the resistance of the packaging and in particular to guarantee a high burst resistance as well as a resistance to a high vertical load. This improved resistance of the packaging is obtained despite the low cohesion of the material forming the tubular body (paper, cardboard for example) and, in some embodiments, the component or parts thereof.

In embodiments, the invention concerns a packaging, such as a tube, a bottle or a can, comprising a tubular body with at least a first end, said body comprising essentially a low cohesion material (for example is being essentially made from a low cohesion material), and a component, wherein said component comprises at least a first element and a second element, said first and second element comprising essentially a low cohesion material (for example is being essentially made of a low cohesion material), and wherein said component is assembled to at least one of said ends of the tubular body by fixing the first element to a surface (for example the inner surface) of the tubular body and the second element to another surface (for example the outer surface) of the tubular body.

In embodiments, the invention concerns a packaging, such as a tube, a bottle or a can, comprising a tubular body with at least a first end, said body comprising essentially a low cohesion material (for example being essentially made from a low cohesion material), and a component, wherein said component comprises at least a first element, a second element and an intermediate element, wherein said component is assembled to at least one of said ends of the tubular body by fixing the first element to a surface (for example the inner surface) of the tubular body and the second element to another surface (for example the outer surface) of the tubular body and wherein said intermediate element comprises essentially a low cohesion material (for example is being essentially made from a low cohesion material), said intermediate element being either imprisoned between the first element and second element and/or fixed to the first element and/or to the second element.

In embodiments, the tubular body may be monolayer or multilayer.

In embodiments, the first element may be monolayer or multilayer.

In embodiments, the second element may be monolayer or multilayer. In embodiments, the multilayer body and/or first element and/or second element may comprise a functional layer.

In embodiments, the first and second elements may be fixed together.

In embodiments, the intermediate element may be monolayer or multilayer.

In embodiments, the low cohesion material may be cellulose or comprise cellulose.

In embodiments, the multilayer body and/or element(s) may comprise as a functional layer one or several metallized layer(s) of very thin thickness and/or one or several layer(s) of polyethylene and/or EVOH and /or one or several adhesive layer(s) and/or varnish(es).

In embodiments, the component may be fixed by welding or gluing to the tubular body.

In embodiments, the packaging has a first end and a second end.

In embodiments, the component may be a bottom and/or a tube head with an extraction orifice.

In embodiments, the packaging may be a tube, or a bottle or a can or a tubular box.

In embodiments of the invention, the first element has (for example) a thickness greater than 100 microns, and it contributes in particular to the rigidity of the component and to the resistance of the assembly (for example resistance, tightness, barrier properties) and to the stiffness of the component. The first element can thus form a so-called “structural” layer of the product. This layer may be mono-layer or multilayer.

In embodiments, this layer can include or be combined with at least a so-called "functional" layer making it possible to provide additional properties to the packaging (such as, for example, sealing or barrier properties) as discussed herein. In embodiments of the invention, the first element is formed of a thin layer (mono- or multi-layer), for example with a thickness of less than 100 microns, and it contributes in particular to the performance of the assembly (by resistance, sealing, barrier properties) but it only contributes slightly to its rigidity (unlike the structural layer defined hereabove). Preferably, this thin layer has a multilayer structure, with at least a layer which has a high tensile strength, and at least a layer whose properties make it possible to preserve the product contained in the packaging (suitability for contact with the packaged product, barrier properties such as to humidity, aromas, oxygen), forming a functional layer as defined herein. The thin layer may for example be a multilayer paper (paper/PE, or PE/paper/PE, sealing varnish/paper/metal or metallized paper or paper/PE/Evoh/PE). It is therefore possible to have both low cohesion properties in the thickness (paper) and barrier properties (for example PE moisture barrier, metallized layer moisture barrier to aromas and oxygen).

In embodiments of the invention, the second element has (for example) a thickness greater than 100 microns, and it contributes in particular to the rigidity of the component and to the resistance of the assembly (for example resistance, tightness, barrier properties) and to the stiffness of the component. The second element can thus form a so-called “structural” layer of the product. This layer may be mono-layer or multilayer.

In embodiments, this layer can include or be combined with at least a so-called "functional" layer making it possible to provide additional properties to the packaging (such as, for example, sealing or barrier properties).

In embodiments, the second element is formed of a thin layer (mono- or multi-layer), for example with a thickness of less than 100 microns, and it contributes in particular to the performance of the assembly (for example resistance, tightness, barrier properties). This thin layer can be for example a multilayer paper as described above. It is therefore possible to have both low cohesion properties in the layer (paper) and barrier properties (for example PE moisture barrier, metallized layer moisture barrier to aromas and oxygen). The embodiments described above may be combined: for example a first element in the form of a structural layer and a second element in the form of a thin layer, or else a first element in the form of a thin layer and a second element in the form of structural layer, or else a first element in the form of a thin layer and a second element in the form of a thin layer, or else a first element in the form of a structural layer and a second element in the form of a structural layer. In all embodiments, the first and second elements may be monolayer or multilayer.

In embodiments, the thin layer of the first element and/or of the second element can be or comprise a so-called “functional” layer which provides barrier layer functionalities for example. Such a functional layer is useful for example to isolate the structural layer from its environment, for example the product contained in the packaging (typically if the product is liquid or semi-liquid) or the external environment in which the packaging is placed (for example a humid environment).

In embodiments, the first element includes at least a structural layer and a functional layer.

In embodiments, the second element includes at least a structural layer and a functional layer.

In embodiments, the first element and the second element are two separate parts.

In embodiments of the invention where both the first and the second element are formed of thin layers, an intermediate element is preferably added, for example of thickness greater than 100 microns, said intermediate element having the effect of stiffening the component; said intermediate element can either be imprisoned between the first and second element or/and fixed to the first and/or to the second element.

In embodiments of the invention, the intermediate element comprises at least a low cohesion material, such as for example cellulose or a material based on cellulose.

According to embodiments of the invention, the tubular body, the first element, the second element and the intermediate element may comprise several layers to jointly allow the obtaining of organoleptic properties of the internal surface of the packaging, barrier properties to moisture or oxygen, and to facilitate the assembly of components. Advantageously, the low cohesion material (for example cellulose or a material based on cellulose) is largely predominant in the packaging so that the packaging is essentially formed of said low cohesion material to allow its recycling in the corresponding sector. Advantageously, said low-cohesion material represents at least 85% of the packaging, preferably at least 95% of the packaging.

According to embodiments of the invention, the component connected to the tubular body comprises at least the first and the second element. It can comprise additional elements such as for example an intermediate element as described herein which increases the rigidity and the functionality of the component. The component is for example a packaging bottom or an end comprising opening and closing means. The component may comprise an orifice such as a neck for example. Other constructions are of course possible in the frame of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 8 illustrate sectional views of a package according to different embodiments of the invention.

Figures 9 to 12 illustrate examples of packagings according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present description of the invention and in the present application, the expression "plastic-based" is used to describe a monolayer or multilayer structure containing mainly plastic material, such as the thermoplastic resins used in the field of packaging. These resins are, for example, virgin or recycled polyethylenes. Multilayer structures can contain functional layers in low percentage to allow recycling. These functional layers are, for example, EVOH layers and adhesive layers. In the present description of the invention and in the present application, the expression “based on cellulose” is used to designate a monolayer or multilayer structure containing or comprising mainly cellulose. These structures can be in the form of sheets or laminates or even in three-dimensional form. Low percentage functional materials and/or layers can also be used to give the packaging desired properties such as impermeability, food quality, barrier to humidity and/or oxygen. These functional layers are, for example, very thin metallized layers, layers of polyethylene, EVOH or adhesive layers or even varnishes and they are added (alone or in combination) to the cellulose-based layers.

In the description of the invention and in the present application, the expressions "low cohesive material" or "low cohesion material" is used to designate the material present at least in the tubular body 2. The expression used describes the behavior of the material in the tubular body 2 which tends to delaminate at the ends 3 when the package is stressed via internal or external pressure. Thus with this type of material, the rupture of the packaging is created by delamination from the end 3 of the tubular body 2 and propagates in the thickness of the wall of the tubular body. This is particularly the case for cellulose-based structures such as paper-based laminates. In the frame of the present invention, in some embodiments, the low cohesive material is also used to form other parts of the packaging, such as the first element, second element and intermediate element described herein.

Numerical references

1 : packaging part

2: tubular body

2': lid

3: end of the tubular body

4: first element (monolayer or multilayer)

5: second element (monolayer or multilayer)

6: intermediate element (monolayer or multilayer)

7, 7': component

8: flexible tube

9: bottle 10: can

11 : tubular box

12: assembly area

14: functional layer (monolayer or multilayer)

15: functional layer (monolayer or multilayer) 16: extraction orifice

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a packaging part 1 comprises a tubular body 2 connected by welding or gluing at its ends 3 to a component 7; the component 7 comprising a first element 4 fixed to the internal surface of the tubular body 2 and a second element 5 fixed to the external surface of the tubular body 2.

Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising a functional layer 14, on the first element 4 and a functional layer 15 on the second element 5. This multilayer construction is applicable to all embodiments of the present invention, for example as illustrated in the drawings.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in which the first element 4 is linked to the second element 5. Of course, the inverse configuration is also possible where the second element 5 is linked to the first element 4.

Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which component 7 comprises an intermediate element 6 trapped between first element 4 and second element 5.

Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the intermediate component 6 is linked to the first element 4 and/or to the second element 5.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the first element 4 and the second element 5 are fixed radially respectively on the internal and external face of the tubular body 2. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which an intermediate element 6 is trapped between the first element 4 and the second element 5 and in which the first element 4 and the second element 5 are fixed radially respectively on the internal and external faces of the tubular body 2.

Figure 7 illustrates a variant of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 in which the first element 4 and the second element 5 are welded radially to the tubular body 2.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, the component 7 or 7' forms for example a bottom of the packaging 1 .

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the component 7 comprises an orifice for extracting the product contained in the packaging. The component 7 is for example a tube head in this mode of execution.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a packaging tube intended to contain, for example, liquid or viscous products such as toothpastes, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products, food products or even products such as glues, paints or sealants.

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a vial or a bottle.

Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a can-type packaging intended to contain, for example, liquid products, or solid products.

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a packaging of the cylindrical box type intended to contain, for example, dry products such as powder products, in grains, biscuits, etc.

The principle of the invention illustrated in Figure 1 concerns a packaging comprising at least a tubular body 2 and a component 7 fixed at least at one end 3 of said tubular body; said tubular body being based on a low cohesion material such as cellulose. Component 7, 7' in the description of the invention designates the elements fixed to the end of the tubular body and is, for example, a bottom or a neck. In Figure 1 , the component 7 which forms a packaging bottom, comprises a first element 4 fixed to the internal face of the end 3 of the tubular body 2 and a second element 5 fixed to the external face of the end 3 of the tubular body 2. The first element 4 and the second element 5 are preferably fixed by welding or gluing to the tubular body 2. Of course, other equivalent fixing methods are possible. The assembly 12 according to the invention of the tubular body 2 and of the component 7 makes it possible to significantly improve the resistance of the packaging, in particular its resistance to bursting under the effect of an internal pressure, its resistance vertical load (stacking of packaging during transport).

Assembly mode 12 improves the strength of the packaging. The bursting and/or vertical load resistance is improved at least by a factor of 1.5, advantageously by a factor of 2 and preferably by a factor of 5 compared to the same packaging having a component 7 formed solely of first element 4 or of the second element 5 as it could be measured by tests and experiments.

Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment in which functional layers are placed/applied on the first element 4 (layer 14) and on the second element 5 (layer 15). Of course, this is an illustrative embodiment and only one functional layer can be used (either layer 14 or else layer 15) depending on the product contained or the environment: indeed, in some cases, one wants to put a separation between the product contained in the packaging (for example a liquid) and the first element 4 and/or one wants to put a separation between the environment (for example a humid environment) and the second element 5. It is also possible to use such functional layers in the other embodiments described and illustrated in the present application and their equivalents. As described in the present application, the functional layers 14, 15 can be monolayer or multilayer and be formed from the materials mentioned in the present application for the functional layers and the thin layers.

Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this example, the component 7 ensuring the closure of the end of the packaging comprises a first element 4 and a second element 5 which are integral with each other or attached to each other. The first element 4 is fixed on the internal face of the end 3 of the tubular body 2; the second element 5 is fixed on the external face of the end 3 of the tubular body 2; the second element 5 is also at least fixed locally on the first element 4. The first and second elements 4, 5 are advantageously linked by welding or by gluing, for example. Assembly mode 12 gives the packaging resistance to bursting and high vertical pressure, despite the weakly cohesion properties of the tubular body 2.

According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2, the first element 4 is produced for example either by molding, or by injection, or by compression molding.

According to another alternative embodiment, the first element 4 is fixed to the internal face of the tubular body 2 during the molding operation, by a so-called overmolding operation. A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in carrying out the overmolding operation in a molding compression mold.

Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the component 7 comprises the first element 4, the second element 5 and an intermediate element 6. The first element 4 in the form of a thin film, for example the thin layer as described above, is fixed to the internal face of the tubular body 2. The second element 5, also in the form of a thin film, for example the thin layer as described above, is fixed to the external face of the tubular body 2. The thin layers may be monolayer or multilayer and they may be a functional layer or comprise a functional layer. An intermediate element 6 of greater thickness is trapped between the first element and the second element. The intermediate element 6 provides rigidity to the component 7 formed by the first element 4, the second element 5 and the intermediate element 6. Preferably, the intermediate element 6 is essentially (or entirely) made of a low cohesion material.

The assembly of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 has a resistance to bursting and to high vertical pressure despite the low cohesion properties of the tubular body 2.

Another advantage of the assembly illustrated in Figure 3 stems from the possibility of making assembly 12 without using a tool which passes through tubular body 2. Thus, the assembly illustrated in Figure 3 is particularly advantageous for closing a packaging after its filling. According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, the intermediate element 6 is preferably not fixed to the first element 4 and to the second element 5.

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the assembly illustrated in Figure 3 according to which the intermediate element 6 is fixed at least partially to the first element 4 and/or to the second element 5.

Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, according to which the component 7 comprises a first element 4 and a second element 5 in the form of thin films made of low cohesive materials; the first element 4 and the second element 5 being linked to each other. According to this embodiment, the ends 3 of the tubular body 2 are not curved towards the axis of the tubular body 2. The first element 4 and the second element 5 are therefore fixed radially to the internal and external surfaces of the tubular body 2. The thin films may be monolayer or multilayer and may comprise a functional layer.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the first element 4 and the second element 5 are welded radially to the end 3 of the tubular body 2. An intermediate element 6 advantageously essentially (or entirely) made of a low cohesion material is inserted between the first element 4 and the second element 5. First element 4 and second element 5 may be monolayer or multilayer.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Figure 4, but in which the ends 3 of the tubular body are not curved towards the axis of the tubular body 2.

The embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 7 are particularly advantageous for closing packaging after filling. These embodiments make it possible to fix the component 7 on the end of the tubular body 2 without using tools passing inside the tubular body 2.

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which component 7 has an orifice 16 for extracting the product contained in the packaging. Thus the invention illustrated by Figures 1 to 8 can be used for different types of components which may be bottoms, tube shoulders, bottle necks or even components with integrated opening and closing systems. For example, to form a packaging, a component 7, 7' according to one of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7 can be fixed to one end of a tubular body as the bottom 7' of the packaging and to the other end of the tubular component 7 according to the embodiment of Figure 8 such as a tube head. In this embodiment of figure 8, the first element 4 and the second element 5 are based on a low cohesion material as disclosed herein.

According to embodiments of the invention, the first element 4 and/or the second element 5 and/or the intermediate element 6 may be plastic-based; the plastic preferably being recycled plastic.

According to embodiments of the invention, the first element 4 or/and the second element 5 or/and the intermediate element 6 are based on a low cohesion material such as cellulose or essentially made of such materials.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the intermediate element 6 is based on cellulose.

According to other preferred embodiments of the invention, the first element 4 and/or the second element 5 are based on cellulose.

According to embodiments of the invention, the first element 4 and the second element 5 are based on cellulose in sheet or laminate form.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the first element 4 and the second element 5 are based on molded cellulose.

According to embodiments, the materials can be combined: for example, the element 4 can be based on plastic and the element 5 based on a low cohesion material, or the reverse. Preferably, when one element (or both) is based on a low cohesion material, depending on the product contained in the packaging and the environment in which the packaging will be placed, a functional layer is added as described in this application. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 1A by way of a non-limiting example. This functional layer will advantageously be placed on the first element 4 on the inside of the packaging (layer 14) and/or on the second element 5 on the outside of the packaging (layer 15). This principle is applicable to all embodiments described and illustrated in the present application.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the cylindrical body 2 and the component 7, 7' are based on cellulose and have a cellulose content greater than 70%, preferably greater than 85% and advantageously greater than 90%.

According to embodiments of the invention, the first element 4 is based on plastic and the second element 5 is based on a low cohesion material such as cellulose.

According to embodiments of the invention, the intermediate element 6 is based on cellulose and the first element 4 and second element 5 are based on plastic resin.

According to embodiments of the invention, the intermediate element 6 and the second element 5 are based on cellulose; the first element 4 is plastic-based.

According to embodiments of the invention, the first element 4, the second element 5 and the intermediate element 6 are based on cellulose.

Other combinations of materials are possible within the scope of the present application.

Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 respectively illustrate a flexible tube 8 intended to contain pasty products; a bottle 9 intended to contain cosmetic products such as creams or shampoos; a packaging 10 in the form of a can for liquid or solid food products; and finally a resealable packaging 11 in the form of a cylindrical box with a lid 2' for food or cosmetic products. In embodiments, the packaging comprises a first end 3 and a second end 3, and a component 7, 7' as described herein is assembled to both said ends 3, see for example figures 10, 11 and 12.

Embodiments have been described to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods described in this application. Several of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above. The systems and methods specifically described in this application and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are nonlimiting embodiments and the scope of the present invention is not defined solely by the claims. The characteristics illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment can be combined with the characteristics of other embodiment(s). Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. A number of problems with conventional methods and systems are noted herein and the methods and systems described herein may solve one or more of these problems. Further, while this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, the alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention are also covered by this application.

Claims

1. Packaging, such as a tube, a bottle or a can, comprising a tubular body (2) with at least a first end (3) , said body comprising essentially a low cohesion material, and a component (7,7'), wherein said component (7,7') comprises at least a first element (4) and a second element (5) said first and second element comprising essentially a low cohesion material, and wherein said component (7,7') is assembled to said end (3) of the tubular body (2) by fixing the first element (4) to an inner surface of the tubular body (2) and the second element (4,5) to an outer surface of the tubular body (2).

2. Packaging as defined in claim 1 , wherein said component (7,7') comprises an intermediate element (6) and wherein said intermediate element (6) comprises essentially a low cohesion material, said intermediate element (6) being either imprisoned between the first element (4) and second element (5) and/or fixed to the first element (4) and/or to the second element (5).

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said tubular body (2) is monolayer or multilayer.

4. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (4) is monolayer or multilayer.

5. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (5) is monolayer or multilayer.

6. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said multilayer body (3) and/or said elements (4,5) comprise a functional layer (14,15).

7. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second elements (4,5) are fixed together.

8. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (6) is monolayer or multilayer.

9. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said low cohesion material comprises cellulose.

10. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said multilayer body (2) and/or said element(s) (4,5) comprise a functional layer comprising at least one metallized layer of very thin thickness and/or at least one layer of polyethylene and/or EVOH and /or at least one adhesive layer and/or varnish.

11. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (7,7') is fixed by welding or gluing to the tubular body (2).

12. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the component (7,7') is a bottom and/or a tube head with an extraction orifice (16).

13. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, said packaging being a tube (8), or a bottle (9) or a can (10) or a tubular box (11).