Method for packaging, thermoforming machine and package

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a package whereby a packaging tray is formed into a packaging film and filled with a product. The disclosure is distinguished by the fact that at least the inner and/or outer side of the packaging tray is covered with a barrier layer after the forming of the packaging tray. The disclosure also relates to a thermoforming machine for carrying out this method as well as to a package manufactured by means of the method.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for manufacturing a package, the method comprising:
 forming a packaging tray in a packaging film;   covering at least an inner side and/or an outer side of the packaging tray with a barrier layer after the forming of the packaging tray;   introducing a product into the packaging tray; and   sealing the packaging tray with a top film after the introducing step.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the covering step is performed before the introducing step. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the covering step is performed such that that the outer side of the packaging tray and/or an outer side of the top film is/are covered with the barrier layer after the sealing of the packaging tray with the top film. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier layer has an oxygen permeability level of less than 10 ccm per (square metre×24 hours×pressure difference [bar]). 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier layer comprises plasma. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein the plasma is generated in a packaging machine used for manufacturing the package. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the packaging film is biodegradable. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the barrier layer comprises silicon oxide and/or aluminum oxide. 
     
     
         9 . A thermoforming machine comprising:
 a forming station for forming packaging trays into a packaging film;   a filling station for introducing products into the packaging trays; and   a covering station provided downstream of the forming station for covering at least an inner side and/or an outer side of the packaging tray with a gas barrier layer.   
     
     
         10 . The thermoforming machine according to  claim 9  wherein the covering station is arranged between the forming station and the filling station. 
     
     
         11 . The thermoforming machine according to  claim 9  further comprising a sealing station for sealing the packaging trays with a top film, wherein the covering station is arranged downstream of the sealing station and is adapted to cover the outer side of the packaging tray and/or an outer side of the top film with the barrier layer. 
     
     
         12 . The thermoforming machine according to  claim 9  wherein the covering station is a plasma covering station. 
     
     
         13 . The thermoforming machine according to  claim 9  wherein the covering station is set up for applying the barrier layer with an oxygen permeability level of less than 10 ccm per (square metre×24 hours×pressure difference [bar]). 
     
     
         14 . The thermoforming machine according to  claim 9  wherein the covering station is set up for applying the barrier layer with a thickness of less than 1 μm. 
     
     
         15 . A package comprising:
 a packaging tray thermoformed from a packaging film;   a top film sealed to the packaging tray; and   a gas barrier layer covering an inner side and/or an outer side of the packaging tray and/or the top film.   
     
     
         16 . The package according to  claim 15  wherein the packaging film is biodegradable. 
     
     
         17 . The package according to  claim 15  wherein the barrier layer is provided on the inner side and/or the outer side of the packaging tray, and wherein the packaging tray with the barrier layer has an oxygen permeability level of less than 10 ccm per (square metre×24 hours×pressure difference [bar]). 
     
     
         18 . The package according to  claim 15  wherein the barrier layer comprises silicon oxide and/or aluminum oxide.