Method of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code, method of identifying a package, and package with identification code

(54) Name: Methods of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code, ways of identifying a packaging and a packaging with an identification code (56) Publications cited: - (47) Summary:

In a manner of providing a packaging laminate with an Identification Code (2), the packaging laminate is subjected to a magnetic field and thus a matrix (2) of magnetic domains (4) is magnetized in the packaging laminate. Each magnetic domain (4) consists of a number of the magnetizable particles. One way of identifying a package (1) is also described. The package (1) has walls (3) of a packaging laminate comprising magnetizable particles. The method comprises the steps of exposing the packaging laminate to a magnetizing magnetic field, whereby a matrix (2) of magnetic domains (4) in the packaging laminate is magnetized, and to sense a transmitted magnetic field emitted by the magnetic domains (4) of the matrix (2). The invention also relates to a package (1) having an identification code (2).

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SUMMARY

In a method of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code (2), the packaging laminate is exposed to a magnetic field and thus a matrix (2) of magnetic domains (4) is magnetized in the packaging laminate. Each magnetic domain (4) is constituted by a number of the magnetizable particles. One way of identifying a package (1) is also described. The package (1) has walls (3) of a packaging laminate comprising magnetizable particles. The method comprises the steps of exposing the packaging laminate to a magnetizing magnetic field, whereby a matrix (2) of magnetic domains (4) in the packaging laminate is magnetized, and to sense a transmitted magnetic field emitted by the magnetic domains (4) of the matrix (2). The invention also relates to a package (1) having an identification code (2).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code.

The invention also relates to a method of identifying a package wherein said package has walls consisting of a packaging laminate comprising magnetizable particles.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a package having walls consisting of a packaging laminate wherein said laminate comprises magnetizable particles.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

It is previously known to provide packages with identification codes, for example to identify a given location on the package or to identify individual packages. One type of identification code is the optical code, usually a bar code. Barcodes can be printed on the packaging material along with the decor. One disadvantage of barcodes is that optical reading is needed to read the code. The barcode must therefore be visible on the package and must not be covered by, for example, a protective film. A further disadvantage is that the bar code is static and cannot be changed after it has been printed. Furthermore, the bar code can be considered a disruptive element in the design of the package.

Another type of identification code is RFID, which utilizes transponders that communicate via radio frequencies. RFID codes can be read without direct optical reading and from a distance. However, they are inexorably expensive for many packaging applications. An aluminum layer in the packaging material, such as in aseptic packages for non-chilled products, may inadvertently interfere with the RFID code. The RFID code may also be sensitive to certain products contained in the package.

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Recently, a new packaging laminate has been developed which is described in WO 03/095198. This packaging laminate contains magnetizable particles in at least one of its layers. The magnetizable particles have been utilized to mark a single point on the packaging laminate in order to facilitate printing in registers with big lines on the packaging laminate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a package having an identification code which does not need optical vision for reading and which can be produced in a cost effective manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a package with an identification code that can be changed during the production or life of the package.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a package which is easily traceable at a relatively low cost.

These objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments thereof are defined in subclaims 2 and 3.

The above object is also achieved by a method according to claim 20, wherein preferred variations are defined in the appended claims 5-10.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned objects are achieved by a package according to claims 11 and 12.

According to the method of the present invention to provide a packaging laminate with an identification code, the packaging laminate comprises magnetizable particles and is subjected to a magnetic field wherein a matrix of magnetic domains is magnetized in the packaging laminate and each magnetic domain is constituted by a number of the magnetizable particles. According to this method, an identification code which allows a large number of individual codes can be easily obtained.

According to a variant of the method according to the invention, the magnetization of the matrix is ​​divided by magnetic domains into at least two stages where, in a first step, a first group of magnetic domains is magnetized and, in a second step.

528 4 '5 steps, a second group of magnetic domains is magnetized. In this way, the identification code can be built up at different stages of the processing of the packaging laminate.

At least some of the magnetic domains in the first group may also belong to the second group. Thus, the magnetization of certain magnetic domains can be changed during different stages of the processing of the packaging laminate.

The method of the present invention to identify a package comprises the steps of exposing the packaging laminate to a magnetizing magnetic field and thus magnetizing a matrix of magnetic domains in the packaging laminate, each magnetic domain being a number of the magnetizable particles, detecting a radiated magnetic field. magnetic domains in the matrix. According to this method, a large number of packages can be individually coded and later identified. The magnetic identification code does not interfere with the decor of the packaging and can be read without direct optical visibility.

A variant of the method of the invention further comprises the steps of determining the identity of the package on the basis of the detected magnetic field, and of reading data relating to the identified package in a database. This way it is possible to trace an individual package back to its production.

The magnetization of the matrix of magnetic domains can be divided into at least two stages, where, in a first step, a first group of magnetic domains is magnetized and in a second step a second group of magnetic domains is magnetized. Different parts of the identification code can thus be created during different stages of the packaging's production.

According to a variant of the method of the invention, the first group of magnetic domains is magnetized before the packaging laminate is formed into packages, and the second group of magnetic domains is magnetized after the packaging laminate is formed into the package. This variant makes it possible, for example, to first store data on the packaging material in

528 455 the identification code and then store the data on the processing of the finished packaging.

According to a further variant, the first and second group of magnetic domains are magnetized at different stages by the processing of the packaging laminate but before the packaging laminate is formed into the package. Thus, the data can be stored in the identification code, for example, on the material used in the packaging laminate and on a sterilization process used for the sterilization of the material web.

It is also conceivable to magnetize the first and second group of magnetic domains at different stages of the processing of the packaging laminate or package but after the packaging laminate is formed into a package. In this way, the identification code can be used to first store data in, for example, the sterilization of the empty package and then, for example, data in a heat treatment of the package after the package has been filled and sealed.

At least some of the magnetic domains in the first group may also belong to the second group. In this way, part of the identification code can be magnetized at one stage of production of the package and changed at another stage of production.

The package according to the invention has an identification code comprising a matrix of magnetic domains, each magnetic domain being a number of the magnetizable particles, the identification code of the package can be used to trace a single package back to its production.

Advantageously, the matrix is ​​a six times six matrix. This allows for a large number of individual codes, but can still fit most pack sizes.

SUMMARY OF DRAWING FIGURES

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The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which show an example of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a package with an identification code according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a package with an identification code according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The package 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a Tetra Brik® beverage package. The packaging 1 is manufactured from a packaging laminate described in the applicant's publication number WO 03/095198. This packaging laminate has magnetizable particles embedded in at least one of its layers. An identification code 2 is arranged on a wall 3 of the package 1 in the form of a six times six matrix of magnetic domains 4. Each magnetic domain 4 consists of a number of magnetizable particles. When the matrix 2 is magnetized to form a code, each magnetic domain 4 can be given one of three different values; plus, minus or no magnetic charge. Thus, by means of a six times six matrix, as many as 1.5Ί O can¹⁷ different codes are created.

The identification code 2 can be used in principle in two different ways.

First, each package produced can be given an individual code.

In this way traceability can be achieved by means of a database. The data on each individual package can be stored in the database during the production of the packages.

Later in the life of the package, it may for some reason be necessary to trace the package back to its origin to determine parameters such as, for example, during sealing, filling, packaging form, packaging material sterilization or printing.

The identity of the package is determined by sensing the magnetic fields emitted by the magnetic domains 4 of the matrix 2. The packaging database is then interrogated for data on this specific package 1. If, for example, the durability of the product in the package 1

528 455 has been found to be unusually short, the reason for this can be sought in conditions prevailing during the various stages of packaging production.

Second, the identification code 2 can be used more independently without using a database to identify individual packages 1. According to this embodiment, different groups of magnetic domains 4 in the matrix 2 can be utilized to store data at different stages of the package's production. For example, a first group of 5 magnetic domains 4 can be utilized to record data on the type of packaging material used (thickness, type of plastic film, presence of aluminum layer, etc.). A second group of 6 magnetic domains 4 can be utilized to record data on the sterilization of the material web. A third group of 7 magnetic domains 4 could be utilized to store data on the contents of the package 1. Some magnetic domains 4 may belong to more than one group of magnetic domains 4. For example, a fourth group of 8 magnetic domains could be utilized to record data on any processing of the packaging 1 after filling, and this fourth group of 8 could include some or all of the magnetic domains 4 of one or more of the other groups, to for example, the third group 7. In this way, the magnetization of some or all of the magnetic domains 4 can be changed a number of times during the production of the packaging 1, from the raw material web to the finished packaging 1.

A less complicated identification code (not shown) can utilize a smaller matrix, for example a three by three matrix, when it is not necessary to identify individual packages, but only production batches.

The number of magnetic domains 4 in the matrix 2 is theoretically limited only by the size of the surface area available on the package 1, the possible resolution of the magnetic means and the sensor used and the distance needed between the domains 4 to avoid cross-coupling. In practice, the size of the matrix will be limited by the size of the smallest package for which it is intended to be used.

The identification code 2 can be read regardless of whether the packaging 1 is up or lying on the page as long as the orientation of the packaging 1 is known.

The magnetization of the matrix 2 can be carried out by means of electrically exchangeable magnetizing devices formed in a corresponding matrix. Depending on the type of information to be stored in the identification matrix, the magnetizer may be provided in the conversion machine, in the filling machine or along with the conveyors after the filling machine.

The device utilized to read the identification code may have magneto-resistant sensors, GMR sensors or the like formed in a matrix corresponding to the matrix 2 to be read. The sensors should be able to detect both static and dynamic fields so that it is possible to read the identification code 2 when the packaging 1 is stationary or moving. The reading distance can be up to a few millimeters.

The sensors could also be arranged in a row or column, corresponding to a row or column in the matrix 2 to be read. In such a case, the identification code 2 is read by moving the packaging 1 past the sensors or vice versa.

In a further embodiment, said magnetic domains can be given a level of plus and minus charge which can subsequently be detected. The number of coding combinations available in a matrix thereby increases dramatically, with the same number of magnetic domains. For example, if you have three levels of charges, the possible charge in a domain is +3, +2, +1.0, 1, 2, 3 which is equal to seven possibilities for each magnetic domain. The number of charge levels may be more or less than the exemplified three to the number without departing from the scope of the invention. The number of charge levels can, in practical application, be limited by the resolution of the detector utilized and the distance between the detector and the matrix.

The present invention is, of course, not limited to the specific form of the package shown in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the identification code of the invention can be applied to any type of packaging made from a packaging material containing magnetizable particles.

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