TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a foldable container and to a method for manufacturing and use of a foldable container. In particular a foldable container for storing materials including eat products such as poultry.

BACKGROUND

Foldable containers are known in the art. For example, EP1919781B1 describes an octagonal container having side walls, end walls, and diagonal corner panels between adjacent side walls and end walls. According to EP1919781B1, the main bottom flaps are foldably connected to a bottom edge of the side walls, the small bottom flaps are foldably connected to a bottom edge of the end walls, and the diagonal bottom flaps are foldably connected to a bottom edge of the diagonal corner panels. A cut separates each major bottom flap from an adjacent diagonal bottom flap, and a web panel connects adjacent side edges of the small bottom flaps and diagonal bottom flaps. The container described in EP1919781 is disadvantageous because it cannot be completely and securely sealed from below.

Foldable containers are further known in the art from US 2017/029163 Al, CA 454 139, US 4 089 417 A and DE 295 03 254. The containers described in aforementioned documents does not provide any solutions to the previous mentioned problems.

The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a foldable container for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the foldable container are provided in claims 2 to 9. A container comprises at least two foldable sheets that may be identical, each comprising a plurality of rectangular walls connected by foldable lines, each wall comprising a top edge and a bottom edge, each bottom edge is connected to a flap by a foldable line, wherein the flaps are preferably not connected to one another. The lines are predefined by weakening the material across said lines. The lines are foldable in one predefined direction.

Each sheet comprises a left side edge and a right side edge. Each side edge of each sheet is configured to be connected to another side edge of another sheet via a mounting wall to form a folded container without a base. The flaps are configured to form the base when folding said flaps. The mounting wall comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge is connected to a flap by a foldable line, wherein the flap is preferably not connected to other flaps.

The container has a first thickness at the foldable lines and a second thickness elsewhere, wherein the first thickness is at least 10% smaller than the second thickness. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a smaller thickness at the foldable lines facilitates folding the container, such that the container would not break at the foldable lines.

The container may comprise three layers, a middle layer comprising a reinforced structure, such as for example a cellular structure sandwiched between a flat top layer and a flat bottom layer.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a reinforced structure having 10% less thickness at the foldable lines than elsewhere, can easily bend so as to define the foldable lines. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a defined and reinforced structure can bend without breaking.

Each rectangular wall has a length defined by the distance between the two foldable lines said wall falls in between. The length of the rectangular walls and the number of said walls may be configured to give a stable structure. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a four or a multiple of four rectangular walls provide a stable structure. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an octagonal container provides a stable structure. The connection between each side edge of each sheet to another side edge of another sheet via a mounting wall may be a welded connection. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that welded connections are durable and resistant against breaking.

Away from the bottom edges of each wall, the flaps may be reinforced by a removable attachment made of a material such as for example silicon, rubber, neoprene, or polyvinyl chloride. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the attachment provides watertight closure.

The sheets can be folded and assembled to construct the container. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the foldable container can be easily and more efficiently stored and transported in its compact unfolded state (e.g. when not in use) compared to its folded state (e.g. when in use).

The container may further comprise a lid, wherein the lid is configured to removably fit on top of the top edges of the folded container. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the lid is fitted on top of the folded container so as to securely close the container, such that insects are kept away from getting in the container, such that the smell of the materials in the container remains in the container.

The container may further comprise a pallet, said pallet configured to receive the folded container, wherein the pallet has at least four recesses wherein at least four flaps are insertably connected. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the folded container is fixed to the pallet to provide a stable base for said container. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the folded flaps form a base together with the pallet, which results in securely storing the materials and minimizes or prevent any leaks from below.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that when the container is folded, fixed to the pallet, and securely covered by the lid, then the materials are securely stored. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that insects are kept away. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container may be assembled (or de-assembled), covered by the lid, and fitted on the pallet, quickly, easily and efficiently by the user.

The container and the lid are made of a plastic material. Such a material is typically waterproof. Said material may be a material such as for example polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, or a combination thereof. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that polypropylene is reusable, food-grade and washable, has good break and tear resistance, is easy to work with, has a high rigidity, is water and moisture resistant, a good chemical resistance and high compression strength, is light, soundproof and ecological.

The pallet may be made of a plastic material such as for example polyethylene and high density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. The pallet is strong enough to provide support to the container e.g. the pallet having reinforced feet.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that foldable containers and lids may be made of polypropylene, such that they can be washable, disinfectable, and reusable. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the pallet may be made of high-density polyethylene, such that it can be washable, disinfectable, and reusable. Most preferably, the container and the lid are made of polypropylene, and the pallet is made of high-density polyethylene. The pallet may also be washable, disinfectable and reusable, and having other similar advantages and properties as the lid and/or the container.

It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container, lid, and pallet are waterproof, such that any liquid or semi-liquid material can be securely stored.

Preferably, the folded container has four or a multiple of four rectangular walls. More preferably, the folded container is octagonal. The angle between any two walls connected by a foldable line is at least 90 degrees, more preferably more than 120 degrees, most preferably 135 degrees. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an angle of or around 135 degrees between any two walls connected by a foldable line in the octagonal folded container provides a more stable structure, e.g. such that the foldable lines are and less likely to break when in fullload.

The at least two sheets may be substituted by one sheet having at least four rectangular walls, preferably four or a multiple of four rectangular walls, and is capable of forming a container by connecting one side edge to the other side edge via a mounting wall. Said connection may be a welded connection.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit for manufacturing a foldable container suitable for storing materials including meat products such as poultry according to claims 10. Preferred embodiments are provided in claim 11.

The kit comprises two foldable sheets that may be identical, configured as a foldable container. The kit may comprise a lid, and may further comprise a pallet, configured to be integrated with the foldable container. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the kit may be used by the user to assemble the container, cover said container by the lid, and/or fit said container on the pallet, in a quick, efficient, and easy way.

In a third, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a foldable container suitable for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments are provided in claims 13 to 14.

The method comprises the step of providing at least one sheet of a plastic material, wherein the at least one sheet has a left side edge, a right side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The method further comprises the step of weakening said at least one sheet across a foldable line, so as to obtain a top part and a bottom part, wherein the top part is longer than the bottom part. The method further comprises the step of weakening said top part across foldable lines, so as to obtain a plurality of rectangular walls. The method further comprises the step of breaking said bottom part across breaking lines, so as to obtain a plurality of flaps. The method further comprises providing a mounting wall on one side edge of the at least one sheet, said mounting wall capable of connecting to one another side edge of the same or another sheet, so as to form a folded container.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a lid, said lid capable of removably fitting on top of the top edge of the folded container. The method may further comprise the step of providing a pallet, said pallet capable of insertably receiving some of said plurality of flaps into at least four recesses defined on said pallet.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a foldable container according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or a use of a kit according to the second aspect of the present invention and/or a use of a method according to the third aspect of the present invention, for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, according to claim 15.

Further advantages of the invention and in particular of preferred embodiments, are disclosed in the detailed description below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1-13 show an octagonal foldable container for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, or parts of such a container, supported by a pallet, and covered by a lid, according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a foldable sheet (7) according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a foldable sheet (7) according to Fig. 1, connected to another identical foldable sheet (8) according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows two identical foldable sheets (7, 8) of Fig. 2 connected to one another and folded to form a container (1) without a base, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows two identical foldable sheets (7, 8) of Fig. 3 folded to form a container (1) with a base (14), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the base (14) of Fig. 4, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 7 a) shows the flaps (6), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 7 b) shows a cross section of the container (1) across a foldable line (30), according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7 c) shows a cross section of the container (1) across a breaking line (31), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows a container (1) placed on a pallet (27), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a bottom view of the base (14), wherein the flaps (6) are reinforced by a removable attachment (25), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show an example of a foldable container (1), without and with a removable attachment (25), respectively, further comprising a lid (26), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show an example of a foldable container (1), without and with a removable attachment (25), respectively, further comprising two recesses (28) for handling said container (1), according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a foldable container for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, and a method of manufacturing and use of said container.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a contaminant" refers to one or more than one contaminant. "About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

The term "container" as used herein, refers to a container suitable for storing and/or transportation of bulk goods. Such bulk goods can be any materials, such as for example meat products such as for example poultry. Containers are used in industry for the storage of up to 900 kg or more of bulk goods, including but not limited to liquid or semi-liquid products, such as for example crushed poultry.

The term "pallet" as used herein, refers to a structure that supports objects such as containers in a stable manner, while being handled or transported by means of transport such as forklift trucks or conveyor belts. A pallet can support one or more layers of objects such as containers, preferably having a perimeter close to that of the pallet. The pallet is made of preferably a washable material, preferably from a plastic material. For example, the pallet can be washed after use and, if desired, also disinfected and then reused under hygienic conditions. The pallet is waterproof. In a preferred embodiment, polyethylene and more preferably high density polyethylene is selected as the material of a pallet. An embodiment of a pallet in high-density polyethylene is lightweight and can, for example, be designed in a weight of only 9 to 12 kg. The pallet is preferably stackable and even more preferably the pallet is nestable. Nestable and watertight plastic pallets with a high load-bearing capacity, for instance a load-bearing capacity of 1200 kg, are very suitable to be used to support a bulk container according to the invention. A plastic pallet is preferably designed such that it is strong enough to be placed in a drive-in rack without support in the middle. To obtain good nestability, an upstand or nest height of 40 to 60 mm from a pallet is very suitable. The pallet according to the present invention is preferably lightweight.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a foldable container for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, wherein the container (1) is made of a plastic material, the container (1) comprises at least two foldable sheets (7, 8), each comprising a plurality of rectangular walls (2) connected by foldable lines (30), each wall (2) comprises a top edge (5) and a bottom edge (4), each bottom edge (4) is connected to a flap (6) by a foldable line (30), each sheet (7, 8) comprising a left side edge and a right side edge, wherein each side edge of each sheet is configured to be connected to another side edge of another sheet via a mounting wall (9) to form a folded container (1) without a base, and wherein the flaps (6) are configured to form the base (14) when folding said flaps (6), wherein the foldable lines (30) are predefined by weakening the material across said lines (30), the lines (30) are foldable in one predefined direction, wherein the container (1) has a first thickness at the foldable lines (30) and a second thickness elsewhere, wherein the first thickness is at least 10% smaller than the second thickness.

The container comprises at least two foldable sheets that may be identical, each comprising a plurality of rectangular walls connected by foldable lines, each wall comprising a top edge and a bottom edge, each bottom edge is connected to a flap by a foldable line, wherein the flaps are preferably not connected to one another. Each sheet comprises a left side edge and a right side edge, wherein each side edge of each sheet is configured to be connected to another side edge of another sheet via a mounting wall to form a folded container without a base. The mounting wall may already be part of the container. Further, the flaps are configured to form the base when folding said flaps. The folded container has four or a multiple of four rectangular walls. The mounting wall comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge is connected to a flap by a foldable line, wherein the flap is preferably not connected to other flaps. The angle between two walls connected by a foldable line is between 0 and 180 at all times. When the container is in use, the angle between two walls connected by a foldable line is at least 90 degrees.

Each rectangular wall has a length defined by the distance between the two foldable lines in which said wall falls in between. The length of the rectangular walls and the number of said walls may be configured so as to maximize the volume in the folded container while in the same time providing a stable structure. In a preferred embodiment, the folded container has four walls, wherein the length of said walls may be configured to give a stable structure. In a more preferred embodiment, the folded container is octagonal, wherein the length of the walls in said octagonal container may be configured to give a stable structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection between each side edge of each sheet to another side edge of another sheet via a mounting wall is a welded connection.

The compactness of this invention is space-saving and thus is advantageous for storage, as compared to a non-foldable container, wherein air is stored in the empty spaces. As a result, less storage space is required and a larger number of empty containers in the form of sheets can be transported with means of transport e.g. a truck.

In a preferred embodiment, the foldable lines are predefined by weakening the material across said lines, wherein the lines are foldable in one predefined direction. The container has a first thickness at the foldable lines, and a second thickness elsewhere, wherein the first thickness is at least 10% smaller than the second thickness. More preferably the first thickness is at least 30% smaller than the second thickness.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of three layers, a middle layer comprising a reinforced structure such as for example cellular structure, sandwiched between a flat top layer, and a flat bottom layers. The reinforced structure has a different thickness at the foldable lines, at least 10% less than elsewhere on said container, and preferably 30% less than elsewhere on said container.

In a preferred embodiment, away from the bottom edges of each wall, the flaps may be reinforced by a removable attachment made of a material such as for example silicon, rubber, neoprene, or polyvinyl chloride. In a more preferred embodiment, the flaps are reinforced by a removable attachment made of rubber. Non-limiting examples of suitable rubber types are natural rubber and nitrile butadiene rubber. Said removable attachment of one flap may overlap partially with that of another flap when folding the container, which facilitates closing the container e.g. watertight closure. Said attachment may provide a complete closure e.g. watertight closure to the base of said container. Such attachment facilitates the closure of the base of said container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of a plastic material. The container is waterproof. In a preferred embodiment, the container is preferably made of a plastic such as for example polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the container is made of polypropylene, most preferably extruded polypropylene sheet with cellular structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may further comprise a lid, wherein the lid is configured to removably fit on top of the top edges of the folded container. The lid helps to securely close the container. The lid is made of a plastic waterproof material. For example, the lid is made of polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, or a combination thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the lid is made of polypropylene. By means of the lid, two folded containers can also be stacked on top of one another whether or not they are filled. According to a preferred embodiment, the lid comprises a continuous rim or flange all around, which lid and rim or flange are preferably dimensioned and shaped to provide a form-fitting seal when placed on the top edges of the folded container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may further comprise a pallet, said pallet configured to receive the folded container, wherein the pallet has at least four recesses wherein at least four flaps are insertably connected. The pallet provides support to the container. Together with the folded flaps, the container is sealed from below, so as to minimize any leak from below. The pallet is made of a plastic waterproof material such as for example polyethylene and high density polyethylene, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the pallet is made of high density polyethylene. In a further preferred embodiment, the folded container with the folded flaps comprises both the pallet and the lid, so as to securely store the materials and prevent any leaks from below. Folding the container, folding the flaps, placing the container on the pallet, and placing the lid, can be done by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, foldable container has four or a multiple of four rectangular walls. In a more preferred embodiment, the foldable container is octagonal. When folded, the angle between any two walls connected by a foldable line is preferably 135 degrees. Such an angle provides stability and prevents the container from breaking at the foldable lines, especially when in full-load e.g. when loading 500 or 1000 kg or more of products in the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least two sheets are substituted by one sheet. Said sheet has four or a multiple of four rectangular walls and two side edges, and is capable of forming a container by connecting one side edge to the other side edge via a mounting wall. More preferably, the one sheet results in an octagonal container when folded.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is provided at the bottom of a wall with a valve which is suitable for unloading from the container when desired when the valve is opened without the container having to be e.g. tipped over for this purpose. Additionally, the chance of damaging the sheets, more specifically the walls of the container, is a lot smaller since the container does not need to be tipped over in order to unload the container.

Further characteristics and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the specific embodiments shown in these figures or described in the examples, but is only limited by the claims.

Fig. 1 shows a foldable sheet (7) made of a plastic according to embodiments of the present invention. The sheet (7) comprises four walls (2), each wall (2) comprising a top edge (5) and a bottom edge (4). Each bottom edge (4) is connected to a flap (6) by a foldable line (30).

The container (1) further comprises a left side edge and a right side edge, wherein the left side edge of each sheet is connected to a mounting wall (9). The mounting wall (9) has a top edge (12) and a bottom edge (11), wherein the bottom edge (11) is connected to a flap (13) by a foldable line (30). In an alternative embodiment, the mounting wall (9) may be connected to the right side edge.

Fig. 2 shows a foldable sheet (7) according to Fig. 1, connected to another identical foldable sheet (8) according to embodiments of the present invention. The sheets (7, 8) may be connected to each other using welded joints (24). The mounting wall (9) of one sheet (7) is connected to the right side edge of the other sheet (8) by means of welded joints (24). In particular the welded joints (24) are point-shaped. The choice of a plastic material allows the sheets (7, 8) to be connected with welded joints (24).

Fig. 3 shows two identical foldable sheets (7, 8) of Fig. 2 connected to one another and folded to form a container (1) without a base, by connecting the mounting wall (9) of each sheet to the right side edge of the other sheet, by means of welded joints (24). In particular the welded joints (24) are point-shaped. The choice of a plastic material allows the left side edge and right side edge of each sheet (7, 8) to be connected to the other sheet with welded joints (24) to form a folded container

(1) without a base.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows two identical foldable sheets (7, 8) of Fig. 3 folded to form a container (1) with a base (14). A base (14) for said container (1) is formed by folding the flaps (6) inward, preferably to form an angle of 90 degrees with the walls

(2). The container rests on a pallet (27), wherein the pallet (27) has at least four recesses (29) wherein at least four flaps (6) are insertably connected. The flaps (6) are not connected in Fig. 4 to said recesses (29), and are connected in Fig. 5 to said recesses (29). Further, the pallet (27) is nestable and is made of a plastic material.

Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the base (14) of Fig. 4. A preferred angle of 135 degrees according to embodiments of the present invention is formed between each two walls (2) connected by a foldable line (30).

Fig. 7 a) shows the flaps (6) connected to the walls (2), wherein the walls are connected to one another by foldable lines (30) A-A, and the flaps are disconnected from one another by breaking lines (31) B-B. Fig. 7 b, c) shows a cross section of the container (1) across a foldable line (30) A- A and a breaking line (31) B-B, respectively. The container (1) comprises three layers, a middle layer comprising a reinforced structure, sandwiched between a flat top layer and a flat bottom layer. A reinforced structure may be easily bent during manufacturing e.g. while the plastic is being fabricated and formed, so as to define the foldable lines (30). In this example, the container (1) has a firs thickness at the foldable lines, and a second thickness elsewhere, wherein the first thickness is at least 10% less than the second thickness. This facilitates bending at the foldable lines (30) without breaking. The breaking lines (31) are defined so as to obtain flexibility of movement for one flap (6) with respect to other flaps (6).

Fig. 8 shows a container (1) placed on a pallet (27), wherein the flaps (6) are reinforced by a removable attachment (25) and made of materials according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a bottom view of the base (14), wherein away from the bottom edges (4), the flaps (6) are reinforced by a removable attachment (25) and are made of materials according to embodiments of the present invention. A preferred angle of 135 degrees according to embodiments of the present invention is formed between each two walls (2) connected by a foldable line (30).

Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show an example of a foldable container (1), without and with a removable attachment (25), respectively, further comprising a lid (26) resting on the top edges (5) of the container (1) according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show an example of a foldable container (1), without and with a removable attachment (25), respectively, further comprising two recesses (28) for handling said container (1). Two opposite walls (2, 2') are provided each with a recess (28) in the vicinity of the top edges (5) and away from the bottom edges (4). The two recesses (28) are dimensioned so that a person's hand fits into each recess (28).

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit for manufacturing a foldable container suitable for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, comprising two foldable sheets according to the first aspect. The kit comprises two foldable sheets that may be identical. Said sheets are provided with predefined foldable lines. The sheets can be constructed by folding the walls and the flaps at the foldable lines, to obtain a folded container. By means of the kit, a user can choose whenever desirable to manufacture a container according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises a lid. Said lid is configured to fit on the top edges of the folded box.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises a pallet. Said pallet is configured to receive the foldable container. The pallet of the kit is preferably nestable. According to a preferred embodiment, the pallet of the kit is provided with a gasket that is sized so as to make the base of the container watertight when placed on the pallet.

In a third, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a foldable container suitable for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, the method comprises the steps of: providing at least one sheet of a plastic material, wherein the at least one sheet has a left side edge, a right side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

- weakening said at least one sheet across a foldable line so as to obtain a top part and a bottom part, wherein the top part is longer than the bottom part;

- weakening said top part across foldable lines, so as to obtain a plurality of rectangular walls, breaking said bottom part across breaking lines so as to obtain a plurality of flaps, providing a mounting wall on one side edge of the at least one sheet, said mounting wall capable of connecting to one another side edge of the same or another sheet, so as to form a folded container.

The method comprises a number of steps. The method comprises the step of providing at least one sheet of a plastic material, wherein the at least one sheet has a left side edge, a right side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The method further comprises the step of weakening said at least one sheet across a foldable line, so as to obtain a top part and a bottom part, wherein the top part is longer than the bottom part. In a preferred embodiment, the weakening can be achieved by bending said sheet at a predefined foldable line.

The method further comprises the step of weakening said top part across foldable lines, so as to obtain a plurality of rectangular walls. In a preferred embodiment, the weakening can be achieved by bending said top part at predefined foldable lines.

The method further comprises the step of breaking said bottom part across breaking lines so as to obtain a plurality of flaps. In a preferred embodiment, the breaking can be achieved by breaking said bottom part at predefined breaking lines.

The method further comprises the step of providing a mounting wall on one side edge of the at least one sheet. The mounting wall is capable of connecting to one another side edge of the same or another sheet, so as to form a folded container. Connecting said mounting wall to another side edge of the same or another sheet may be done using welded connections.

In a preferred embodiment, the method may further comprise providing a lid. The lid is capable of removably fitting on the folded container. The method may further comprise providing a pallet. The pallet is capable of insertably receiving some of said plurality of flaps into at least four recesses defined on said pallet.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a foldable container according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or a use of a kit according to the second aspect of the present invention and/or a use of a method according to the third aspect of the present invention, for storing materials including meat products such as poultry, according to claim 15. Owing to its washable and, according to preferred embodiments, even waterproof character, a foldable container according to the first aspect of the present invention is particularly suitable for hygienic storage of poultry meat.

The proceeding description gives details of certain embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be clear that no matter how detailed the above turns out to be in text, the invention may be applied in many ways. It should be noted that the use of certain terminology when describing certain characteristics or aspects of the invention should not be interpreted as implying that the terminology herein is defined again to be restricted to specific characteristics or aspects of the invention to which this terminology is coupled.