Container having improved oxygen barrier function

Abstract

The invention relates to a container comprising an outer container wall layer and a desiccant capable of absorbing moisture from an interior space of the container, wherein an interior side of the outer container wall layer is at least in part covered by an EVOH-layer. The container has an improved barrier function against oxygen and is suitable for packaging goods sensitive to moisture and/or oxygen.

1 . A container comprising an outer container wall layer and a desiccant capable of absorbing moisture from an interior space of the container, wherein an interior side of the outer container wall layer is at least in part covered by an EVOH-layer. 
     
     
         2 . Container according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer container wall layer comprises at least one layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer material. 
     
     
         3 . Container according to  claim 1 , wherein the in part EVOH-layer comprises more than 90 wt.-% EVOH. 
     
     
         4 . Container according to  claim 1 , wherein an inner side surface of the EVOH-layer is at least in part covered by an inner container wall layer. 
     
     
         5 . Container according to  claim 4 , wherein the inner container wall layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         6 . Container according to  claim 5 , wherein the inner container wall layer has a smaller layer thickness than the outer container wall layer. 
     
     
         7 . Container according to  claim 6 , wherein the thickness of the inner container wall layer is less than 80% of the thickness of the outer container wall layer. 
     
     
         8 . Container according to  claim 4 , wherein between the outer container wall layer and the EVOH-layer is an adhesive layer. 
     
     
         9 . Container according to  claim 8 , wherein between the EVOH-layer and the inner container wall layer is a further adhesive layer. 
     
     
         10 . Container according to  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the adhesive layer and the further adhesive layer contains the desiccant. 
     
     
         11 . Container according to  claim 4 , wherein the desiccant is comprised in at least one of the inner container wall layer and the outer container wall layer. 
     
     
         12 . Container according to  claim 8 , wherein the desiccant is contained in the inner container wall layer and the inner container wall layer has a higher layer thickness than the outer container wall layer. 
     
     
         13 . Container according to  claim 12 , wherein the thickness of the inner container wall layer is more than 120% of the thickness of the outer container wall layer. 
     
     
         14 . Container according to  claim 8 , wherein the outer container wall layer is comprised of a structure at least comprising an outer layer facing towards the outside of the container, and an inner layer oriented towards the EVOH-layer, and the inner layer comprises a desiccant-entrained polymer. 
     
     
         15 . Container according to  claim 1 , wherein the container further comprises an aperture and a container cap for closing the aperture. 
     
     
         16 . Container according to  claim 15 , wherein the desiccant is arranged in the container cap. 
     
     
         17 . Container according to  claim 15 , wherein the container aperture is sealed by an induction seal. 
     
     
         18 . Container according to  claim 1 , wherein the container further comprises an active oxygen scavenger. 
     
     
         19 . Container according to  claim 18 , wherein the oxygen scavenger scavenges oxygen at humidity levels below 40% r.h.