Containers and Polymeric Films Having Embedded Micro-Porous Particles

Abstract

A flexible, semi-rigid or rigid container ( 1 ) made substantially from polymeric material has micro-porous mineral particles ( 7 ) embedded within it in order to increase its permeability and/or its compostability or degradability and to extend the shelf life of fresh produce ( 3 ) packed within it. The container ( 1 ) may additionally be provided with an anti-microbial coating on an internal surface or upon a substrate such as a bubble pad or self-adhesive label.

1 . A thermoformed container made substantially from polymeric material having embedded therein micro-porous particles of a size greater than the thickness of the thermoformed polymeric material at its thinnest part such that at least part of an internal surface of containers made from the substantially polymeric material is rough to the touch and the presence of embedded particles can be seen and felt. 
     
     
         2 . A container according to  claim 1  made from a petroleum based polymeric substrate. 
     
     
         3 . A container according to  claim 2  made from a polyester substrate. 
     
     
         4 . A container according to  claim 2  made from a degradable polymeric substrate. 
     
     
         5 . A container according to  claim 1  made from a compostable substrate. 
     
     
         6 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the container is provided with an anti-microbial material. 
     
     
         7 . A container according to  claim 6  in which the anti-microbial material is provided as a coating on an internal surface of the container. 
     
     
         8 . A container according to  claim 6  in which the anti-microbial material is provided on a separate piece of substrate which is inserted into the container. 
     
     
         9 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the container is perforated. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the container has a base and side walls and the micro-porous particles are provided in the base of the container. 
     
     
         13 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the container has a base and side walls and the micro-porous particles are provided in the side walls of the container. 
     
     
         14 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the container is rigid or semi-rigid. 
     
     
         15 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the micro-porous particles are micro-porous mineral particles. 
     
     
         16 . A container according to  claim 1  in which the container comprises a tray or vessel comprising one or more compartments. 
     
     
         17 . A method of making a thermoformed container comprising the steps of:
 i) providing a sheet of polymeric material having embedded micro-porous particles contained substantially within the thickness of the sheet, and   ii) thermoforming the sheet to form a container,   
       wherein the thickness of the sheet is reduced during the thermoforming process such that at least some of the embedded micro-porous particles project from the surface of the container. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the micro-porous particles project from an internal surface of the container. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the container has a base and side walls and the thickness of the sheet is reduced in areas forming the base and/or side walls. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A container comprising a substrate made substantially from compostable or degradable polymeric material having embedded therein micro-porous particles of a size such that at least part of a surface of the container is rough to the touch. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A container according to  claim 21  wherein the container is in the form of a pouch or bag or tray. 
     
     
         27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A container according to  claim 21  wherein the surface of the container rough to the touch is an internal surface.