FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to food containers and a method of recycling food containers.

The pictured embodiment of the invention provides a device for food delivery, in particular a device for transporting and delivering foodstuffs; more particularly but not exclusively pizza.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Disposable packaging in the form of boxes, containers, trays or cartons for transportation of food is widely used, particularly for short-term storage and transit of take-away food items such as pizza, burgers, kebabs and the like. It may be desirable for such packaging to contain food effectively to prevent spillage, to retain heat, to be inexpensive, and to be convenient for a user to handle and dispose of.

Typically, such packaging is manufactured from a sheet material cut to a specific shape, which may be stored in a stacked, unfolded configuration prior to use. Containers may then be assembled as required, by folding the material according to a predefined pattern.

A considerable amount of waste is generated by disposal of food packaging, which may be made from foamed plastics materials, cardboard, paperboard or similar. Whilst some types of food containers can be recycled, in principle, recycling is often prevented as a result of contamination of the packaging by food. In particular, packing made from plant-based materials often cannot be recycled following contamination with fats and oils (grease) from food. Furthermore, attempts to recycle soiled containers can contaminate other waste items, which then cannot be recycled. Some containers may be cleaned and re-used, but these may be more expensive to manufacture. Also, cleaning, storing and re-using packaging may be inconvenient for a consumer, particularly in contrast to the demand for take-away food, which is primarily driven by a desire for convenience.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a food container comprising a box comprising:

a support base which is arranged in use to support a foodstuff during delivery; and

a perimeter wall extending around the support base and extending upwardly from the support base;

wherein the support base comprises a predefined separating interface along which a contaminated portion of the support base is separable from a remainder of the box, the separating interface providing a predefined interface in the support base and enabling a user to manually separate the contaminated portion of the support base from the remainder of the box to allow the contaminated portion to be disposed of and for the remainder of the box to be recycled, and wherein removal of the contaminated portion creates an opening within the support base.

Preferably the support base comprises a material. Preferably, the separating interface comprises a separating line.

Preferably the removal and detachment of the contaminated portion leaves an edge region in the support base which defines the opening which is created.

Preferably the removal of the contaminated portion exposes an aperture to create the opening within the support base. The contaminated portion may cover the aperture prior to removal.

Preferably the contaminated portion comprises a separable (removable) portion.

Preferably the support base comprises a portion of the container which contains a foodstuff in use.

The support base may comprise at least one side wall. The support base may comprise a circumferential wall. The support base may comprise a tray, plate, or dish.

Preferably, the support base comprises a planar base. Preferably the support base is planar.

The contaminated portion may comprise at least one side wall. The contaminated portion may comprise a circumferential wall. The contaminated portion may comprise a tray, plate, or dish. Preferably the contaminated portion is planar.

Preferably the separating interface comprises a separating line which provides a predefined weakened line within a material of the support base.

Preferably the box comprises a homogenous recyclable material. Accordingly, prior to use, the entire box is recyclable and the contaminated portion is created through contamination with direct contact with the foodstuff. This direct contact may result in the contaminated portion not being recyclable or easily recyclable with readily available methods.

The perimeter wall may comprise:

a front wall,

a rear wall,

a first side wall, and a second side wall.

The box may comprise a cover or lid.

The box may be constructed from a single blank of the material. The single blank may comprise a planar sheet of the material. The single blank may comprise a pre cut planar sheet of the material. The single blank may comprise the separating interface provided prior to the blank being configured into the box.

Preferably the support base directly supports the foodstuff thereon.

Preferably, after use, the support portion comprises a contaminated support portion.

Preferably the contaminated portion is not recyclable or not readily (easily) recyclable.

Preferably the separating interface comprises a yielding line which enables the contaminated portion to be manually separated from the remainder of the box. The separating interface may comprise a fracturing line to allow the easy separation of the contaminated portion from the remainder of the box.

The separating interface may comprise a single interface (preferably a single line) which defines a perimeter of the contaminated portion to be removed (or disconnected) from the remainder (recyclable portion) of the box.

Preferably the separating interface is a (single) continuous interface and forms a perimeter around a predefined separable portion. Preferably the separating interface is a (single) continuous line and forms a perimeter around a predefined separable portion.

The separating interface (preferably line) may define a circular predefined separable portion or at least a primarily/generally circular separable portion. The separating interface (preferably line) may define a circular perimeter (or at least a primarily/generally circular perimeter) for the contaminated portion.

Preferably the separating interface (preferably line) is provided around a sacrificial portion of the support base.

The separating interface may be solely defined on (or provided on) the support base of the box. The separating interface may be located on the support base and spaced from edges of the support base.

The contaminated portion may comprise a central region of the support base.

The contaminated portion may comprise one or more tabs to provide an initial gripping tab to enable a user to easily remove (or at least commence removal) of the contaminated portion from the remainder of the box.

The or each tab may comprise an edge section of the contaminated portion defined by a length of the separating interface which is weakened to a greater extent compared to a length (or remaining length) of the separating interface not located adjacent to a tab. This length may comprise perforations of a greater length, perforations located closer together and/or a score line of a greater depth. In some embodiments an outer edge of at least a part of the edge (and possibly the complete edge) of the tab is disconnected from the remainder of the box.

The contaminated portion may comprise four tabs which may be equally spaced apart around the circumference/perimeter of the contaminated portion

The or each tab portion may extend up a perimeter wall of the box. A tab may be provided on each of the side walls, the front wall and the rear wall.

The separating interface may comprise a perforated line. The separating interface may comprise a scored line which may be defined within the material of the support base.

The box may comprise a fast food delivery container. The box may comprise a pizza box. The box may comprise a burger box. The box may comprise a salad box. The box may comprise a cake box or dessert box.

The separating interface may define tabs extending outwardly from a perimeter of the contaminated portion. The contaminated portion may be circular and the tabs may extend angularly/radially outwardly therefrom. The tabs may be spaced around the circumference of the contaminated portion. The tabs may provide support elements/spokes which project outwardly from the contaminated portion and enable the contaminated portion to be separated from the remainder of the box and then for the contaminated portion to be rotated relative to the remainder of the box such that the tabs can support the contaminated portion within the opening (an aperture) created by the removal of the contaminated portion. In this supported position, the tabs may rest on an upper surface of a remaining portion of the support base.

Preferably the separating interface enables the box to be separated into a first waste material and a second waste material. The separating interface may enable the first waste material to be recycled and the second waste material to be disposed of separately.

The material may comprise cardboard.

The material may comprise paperboard.

The material may comprise fibreboard.

The material may comprise corrugated fibreboard. The material may comprise fluted material.

The material may comprise Έ’ flute or‘B’ flute corrugated material.

The cardboard may comprise corrugated cardboard.

The cardboard may comprise single ply cardboard.

The box may comprise a cardboard box.

The separating interface may comprise a contact area between the contaminated portion and the support base.

The contaminated portion may be unsecured/disconnected (not connected) to the support base and the contaminated portion (solely) rests on the support base.

The support base may comprise a central aperture and the contaminated portion may be arranged to rest on the support base and cover the central aperture.

The contaminated portion may comprise gripping features to facilitate separation of the contaminated portion from the support base.

The separating interface may be defined solely in the support base or solely within the circumferential wall of the box or partially in the support base and partially within the circumferential wall.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for configuration into a food container comprising a box comprising:

a support base which is arranged in use to support a foodstuff during delivery; and

a perimeter wall extending around the support base and extending upwardly from the support base; wherein the support base comprises a predefined separating interface along which a contaminated portion of the support base is separable from a remainder of the box, the separating interface providing a predefined interface in the support base and enabling a user to manually separate the contaminated portion of the support base from the remainder of the box to allow the contaminated portion to be disposed of and for the remainder of the box to be recycled, and wherein removal of the contaminated portion creates an opening within the support base.

Preferably the blank is a planar sheet of material.

Preferably the blank is pre-cut prior to folding in order for configuration of the box.

The blank may have the separating interface (preferably separating line) provided within the material of the support base prior to folding in order for configuration of the box.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a food container comprising a box, the box comprising:

a support base which is arranged in use to support a foodstuff during delivery; and

a perimeter wall extending around the support base and extending upwardly from the support base;

the method comprising forming a predefined separating interface in the support base along which a contaminated portion of the support base is separable from a remainder of the box, the separating interface providing a predefined interface in the support base and enabling a user to manually separate the contaminated portion of the support base from the remainder of the box to allow the contaminated portion to be disposed of and for the remainder of the box to be recycled, and wherein removal of the contaminated portion creates an opening within the support base.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a food container comprising a box comprising:

a support base which is arranged in use to support a foodstuff during delivery; and

a perimeter wall extending around the support base and extending upwardly from the support base;

wherein the box comprises a predefined separating interface along which a contaminated portion of the box is separable from a remainder of the box, the separating interface providing a predefined interface in the box and enabling a user to manually separate the contaminated portion of the box from the remainder of the box to allow the contaminated portion to be disposed of and for the remainder of the box to be recycled, and wherein removal of the contaminated portion creates an opening within the box.

Preferably the box comprises a first part which comprises the predefined separating interface along which a contaminated portion of the box is separable from a remainder of the box, the separating interface providing a predefined interface in the first part and enabling a user to manually separate the contaminated portion of the box from the remainder of the box to allow the contaminated portion to be disposed of and for the remainder of the box to be recycled, and wherein removal of the contaminated portion creates an opening within the box. The first part may comprise a support base of the box. The first part may comprise a circumferential wall of the box. The first part may comprise the support base and the circumferential wall of the box or a part of the circumferential wall of the box.

The separating interface may be defined solely in the support base or solely within the circumferential wall of the box or partially in the support base and partially within the circumferential wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a blank of a first preferred embodiment of a food container with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in a closed configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in a closed configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 6 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in a closed configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 7 is a front view of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in a closed configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a first preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion in a released and supporting position;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a second preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 10 is a perspective view from below of a second preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view from above of a third preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 12 is a perspective view from above of a fourth preferred embodiment of a food container in an open configuration with the contaminated portion located in position;

Figure 13 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention with basal portion wholly displaced;

Figure 14 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in a closed position;

Figure 15 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in an open position with the basal portion partially displaced;

Figure 16 shows a side and top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in a closed position;

Figure 17 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in an open position with the basal portion wholly displaced;

Figure 18 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in an open position with the basal portion being displaced;

Figure 19 shows a side and top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in a closed position;

Figure 20 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 flattened and unfolded;

Figure 21 shows a detail isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in an open position partially unfolded; and

Figure 22 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figures 1 to 22, the present invention provides a food container in the form of a box which includes a support base for directly supporting the foodstuff during delivery and a perimeter wall extending around the support base and extending upwardly from the support base.

Briefly, the support base comprises a predefined separating interface along which a contaminated portion of the support base is separable from a remainder of the box. The separating interface provides a predefined interface to enable a user to manually separate a contaminated portion of the support base from the remainder of the box to allow the contaminated portion to be disposed of and for the remainder of the box to be recycled. Initially, the contaminated portion either completes the support base such that the removal produces an aperture within the support base or the contaminated portion covers over an aperture within the support base. Either way, the removal of the contaminated portion creates an opening (an exposed opening) in the support base. This opening may assist with the removal of the contaminated portion, for example by assisting the manual lifting of the contaminated portion from below by a user raising a hand/arm upwardly through the support base. This opening is created by either exposing a pre-cut/predefined aperture which is provided in the support base but covered with the contaminated portion or the opening is created by removing the contaminated portion from the support base at the separating interface such as provided by the perforated lines/scored line etc. to leave an opening in the support base where the contaminated portion was located.

As will be described in more detail, the support base comprises a (food safe) material and the separating interface may be of any suitable form and, for example, may comprise a separating line and/or a junction and/or a seam and/or a boundary and/or a join.

The support base may be planar. The contaminated portion may be planar. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the support base may comprise at least one side wall. In some embodiments, the contaminated portion may comprise at least one side wall. The contaminated portion may comprise a tray having a circumferential wall.

The contaminated portion may be attached (secured/connected) to the remainder of the support base prior to separation at the separable interface such as through a perforated separating line/scored line etc. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the contaminated portion is not attached (unsecured/unconnected) to the remainder of the support base prior to separation at the separable interface, for example weight/gravity acting on the contaminated portion retains the portion in position on the reminder of the base.

Figure 1 shows a food container 99 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the container comprises a pizza box. As is known in the art, the box 2 is formed from a single sheet of planar material folded to assemble a self- supporting box structure. The box 2 comprises a tray 14 and a lid 9 connected to the tray by a hinged portion such that the box can be opened and closed. The box 2 is shown in a folded, assembled configuration with the lid 9 in an open position.

The tray 14 comprises a support base 77, a front wall 3, a rear wall 16, a first side wall 17 and a second side wall 18. The first and second side walls 17, 18 form sides 6 of the box 2. The support base 77 is generally planar. The front wall 3, rear wall 16, first side wall 17 and second side 18 wall extend from front, rear, first side and second side edges respectively of the support base. The walls extend around the support base 77 substantially perpendicular to the support base to form a perimeter wall 20 of the box. In use, the walls extend upwards from the base when the box is assembled, and a food item such as a pizza is placed on the support base. The food item is primarily in contact with, and is supported by, the support base 77. Accordingly, the support base 77 may be the part of the container which is most contaminated by the food item.

The lid 9 comprises a panel having a substantially similar shape to the support base 77. The panel is connected to an edge of the rear wall 16 by a hinged portion, such that the rear wall 16 extends between the support base 77 and the hinged portion. In this embodiment, since the box 2 is formed from a continuous sheet of material, the hinge is provided by a fold between the rear wall 16 and the lid panel 9.

Side portions/wings 7 extend from opposite first and second side edges of the panel. In use, when the lid 9 is closed the side portions 7 extend towards the support base 77 and are arranged to overlap an inner surface of the first and second side walls 17, 18 in a manner known in the art.

Referring additionally to Figures 2 and 3, the support base comprises a separable or removable portion (contamination/contaminated portion) 1 . The removable portion 1 is arranged to be manually separated from the remainder of the box 2. In general, a separating interface is arranged to allow separation of the removable portion from the remainder of the container, whilst providing sufficient support for a food item prior to separation. In use, the removable portion 1 is arranged to become a contaminated portion. The removable portion 1 is formed in the same panel as the support base 77 and is integral with the support base. Specifically, the removable portion 1 is defined by a separating interface or line of weakness in the support base. In this first embodiment, the separating interface comprises a perforated line 22 in the support base 77. The removable portion 1 is substantially circular, as shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 5. The separating line 22 extends continuously around the removable portion 1 such that the removable portion 1 can be conveniently separated from the remainder of the support base 77 and therefore separated from the remainder of the box 2. In this way, separation of the removable portion creates an aperture or opening 1 1 in the support base 77.

The removable portion 1 is sized and shaped to provide a contamination surface, which in use, may collect the majority of contamination or residue from food. In this way, once the removable portion is removed from the box 2, the remainder of the box 2 is relatively less contaminated and may be recycled. The removable portion 1 may not be easily recycled once contaminated. The removable portion 1 comprises at least a central portion of the support base 77, where food may be placed. In this embodiment, the removable portion 1 extends outwards towards the perimeter wall 20, such that a surface area of the removable portion 1 is sufficient to accommodate the dimensions of the food item. In this way, contamination may be confined to the removable portion 1 . In use, the removable portion 1 may be disposed of in general waste or composted. In some embodiments, the removable portion 1 may be formed from a material which can be readily cleaned and the removable portion 1 may therefore be re-used.

In the present embodiment, the removable portion 1 comprises a plurality of tabs 8. The separating line 22 deviates radially outwards from a generally circular path to define each tab 8, as can be seen in Figure 3. In this way, the tabs 8 are part of the removable portion 1 enclosed by the perforated line 22 and are removed with the removable portion 22. In this embodiment, four tabs 8 are provided. Each tab 8 extends beyond a perimeter of the support base 77 into each of the side walls 17, 18 and the front and rear walls 3, 16. The tabs 8 are arranged to provide a gripping feature in use, to facilitate removal of the removable portion 1 . The separating line 22 may be further weakened around the tabs 8, to facilitate separation of the tabs 8 from the box, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7. The separating line 22 is more heavily perforated around the tabs 8.

Since the tabs 8 extend into the perimeter wall 20 of the box 2, they are folded to extend perpendicularly away from the support base 77 when the box 2 is assembled, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 3. In use, the tabs 8 therefore extend upwards. In this way, each tab 8 may be separated from the box 2 by pushing the tab 8 laterally to break the separating line 22 and separate the tab 8 from its respective wall. In this way a tab aperture 4 is opened in each respective wall. The tab 8 may then serve as a gripping feature to allow a user to separate the removable portion 1 from the rest of the box 2. By gripping a tab 8, the removable portion 1 can be pulled away from the remainder of the support base 77 by applying sufficient force to tear along the perforated line 22.

Conveniently, the tabs 8 allow the removable portion 1 to be separated whilst keeping the box 2 placed on a flat surface such as a table top, since the tabs 8 can be accessed from the sides 6 of the box 2 and access to the underside of the box 2 is not required. The tabs 8 may also become less contaminated in use than the rest of the removable portion 1 , since they extend upwards away from the surface on which the food is placed. This may prevent a user from having to touch contaminated surfaces in order to separate the removable portion 1 .

In this embodiment, the tabs 8 are arranged to support the removable portion 1 relative to the remainder of the support base 77 after the removable portion 1 has been separated from the support base 77. In use, the circular removable portion 1 may be rotated relative to the remainder of the box 2, such that the radially extending tabs 8 are no longer aligned with corresponding tab slots or apertures 4 in the perimeter wall 20, but instead extend over part of the support base 77, as shown in Figure 8. In this way, the removable portion 1 is prevented from falling through the opening 1 1 in the base of the box 2 and is supported in the box 2. The removable portion 1 may therefore function to support the food item within the box 2 after the removable portion 1 has been separated along the perforated line 22.

In other embodiments, the removable portion may not extend as far as the perimeter wall of the tray, and may comprise a central portion of the support base. In this case, the separating line extends only in the support base. In some embodiments, the tabs may extend in the support base only, and not into the perimeter wall. It will be appreciated that there may be more or fewer than four tabs.

The removable portion may also be used as a plate. In this way, the rest of the box can be removed for convenience, without the need to lift the food item from the support base. The removable portion may then serve as a disposable plate from which the food may be served.

In general, the container may be formed from a single sheet of planar material, which is assembled by folding and securing portions of the sheet. For example, the container may be formed from a net or blank which has been cut from a sheet material by a die-cutting process. The separating line may also be formed during this process. In this way, the separating line may be predefined in the container.

A container 199 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 9 and 10. The container 199 is generally similar to that described in the first embodiment, and only differences will be described here. In this second embodiment, the support base 177 comprises a free (unattached) removable portion 101 . In this case, the removable portion 101 is not attached to the support base 177. The perimeter wall 120 is not provided with tab apertures. A separating interface 122 is formed where the removable portion 101 contacts and rests on the support base 177 in use. The removable portion 101 may be held in place by the weight of a food item. The removable portion 101 may then be separated from the box 102 simply by lifting the removable portion 101 away from the support base 177. In this embodiment, the contaminated portion 101 rests on a part/area of the surface of the support base 177 which surrounds the opening in the support base 177. In particular, the contaminated portion 101 may be supported on an annular area/region of the support base 177 surrounding a circular aperture 1 1 1 provided in the support base 177. Accordingly, the separable interface is provided by an overlapping area creating an interface 122 between an upper surface of the support base 177 and a lower surface of the contaminated portion 101 .

In this second embodiment, the support base 177 comprises a central aperture 1 1 1 . The removable portion 101 is sized to have a larger diameter than the central aperture 1 1 1 , such that in use, the removable portion 101 covers the aperture 1 1 1 and is supported by an outer portion of the support base 177. Figure 10 shows the central aperture 1 1 1 in the support base 177, with the position of the removable portion 101 shown by a dashed line. In this arrangement, the removable portion 101 can be separated from the support base 177 by pushing the removable portion 101 away from the support base 177 by reaching through the central aperture 1 1 1 from a lower side of the box 102. In this way, the removable portion 101 can be separated whilst the food item is still in place, and the removable portion 101 may then be used as a serving plate. The removable portion 101 is sized to accommodate the food item, such that contamination is substantially limited to the removable portion 101 and the remainder of the box 102 remains substantially free of contamination and can be recycled.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the support base may not have a central aperture. In other embodiments, the free removable portion may comprise tabs or other gripping features to assist removal of the removable portion from the box. In some embodiments, the removable portion may be secured to the support base by an adhesive, and the separating interface may comprise an adhesive layer which may be overcome by applying a force in order to remove the removable portion from the support base.

In a third embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, the container 299 comprises a take-away box 202 of a kind used for containing a burger, salad kebab or similar. The container 299 is generally cuboidal, comprising a tray portion 214 and a similarly shaped lid portion 209 connected together by a hinge in a clam shell arrangement, as is well known in the art. The tray portion 214 comprises a generally rectangular support base 277, with front and rear walls, and first and second side walls extending around and away from edges of the support base to define a perimeter wall 220. In this way, the tray portion 214 comprises an open box structure. The tray portion 214 comprises a substantially rectangular support base 277, upon which a food item is supported in use. In this second embodiment, the tray portion 214 comprises a removable portion 201 . In this embodiment, the removable portion 201 comprises substantially all of the support base 277. The removable portion 201 is defined by a separating interface, which in this case comprises a perforated separating line 222 which extends around a perimeter of the support base 277. The separating line 222 extends through part of the perimeter wall 220 to define a plurality of tabs 208 for facilitating removal of the removable portion 201 . In a variant of this embodiment, shown in Figure 12, the removable portion 201 is substantially circular.

In other embodiments of the invention, the container may comprise a cake box or dessert box.

In some embodiments, the removable portion may be square, rectangular, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the removable portion may comprise substantially all of the support base. For example, the separating interface may extend along fold lines where the support base meets the perimeter wall. A larger removable portion may be beneficial for use with foods which are likely to contaminate much of the support base and at least part of the perimeter wall, such as salads, kebabs, fish and chips and the like.

In some embodiments, the support base may not be planar, and may comprise at least one side wall. For example, the support base may include a minor portion of the perimeter wall. Accordingly, the separating interface may extend in a side wall of the support base, such that the removable portion comprises a planar base and at least part of a side wall of the support base. In this way, the removable portion may comprise a tray having a base and side walls.

It will be appreciated that the separating interface need not comprise a perforated line or perforations, but could comprise a scored line or scoring, a tearaway or tear off line, have a reduced thickness, or be weakened by other suitable means. For example, in embodiments in which the container comprises corrugated cardboard, perforations may be used, whereas in embodiments in which the container comprises single ply card or paperboard, a scored line may be used.

With reference to the additional figures (Figure 13 to Figure 22) there is generally shown another embodiment of the device 99 comprising a food container box 2 with a removable basal portion 1 (contaminated portion).

In the pictured embodiment the device 99 comprises a perforated circle basal portion 1 , which is forming the base of a takeaway pizza box, which basal portion 1 can be easily removed, thereby enabling the user to remove a grease covered card basal portion, thereby allowing the remaining portions of the box 2 to be easily recycled.

The device may be envisaged to form any part of the pictured embodiment, for example a displaceable basal portion 1 for a box 2 or box 2 with a displaceable portion 1 .

In the pictured embodiment the basal portion 1 is part of the box 2, whereby before displacement the box 2 and basal portion 1 share a perforated border between the basal portion and the box’s base 77.

The perforated base 77 allows a user to easily pop out the basal portion 1 and dispose of it in normal waste and then easily dispose of the rest of the box into their recycling bin.

The box is formed as known in the art with a lid 9 that has a two side portions 7 that fit inside a tray formed by the base 77 sides 6 and a front edge 3.

The front edge folds over two lateral diagonal tab portions 5 whereby the front edge 3 folds over the tab portions 5. The front edge 3 comprises branding opportunities 12. The lid 9 has a closure tab 10 extending downwards and behind the front edge 3 in use to hold the lid closed.

The basal portion 1 has four tabs 8 extending radially from the circular perimeter. These extend upwards orthogonal from the basal portion, and having a perforated border with the sides 6 and front and rear edges. The tabs leave vertical apertures 4 in the edges and sides.

In this way the device of the present invention advantageously resolves problems with current pizza boxes not being able to be recycled due to the base being soiled with grease and food, whereby this basal portion is the area that would collect grease, so removing it allows for the rest of the box to be thrown away.

The pictured embodiment comprises a circular perforated, tabbed basal portion 1 that can be wholly removed from the base 77 of the box.

Advantageously separating the device 99 into the two parts can also allow for easy sharing, creating a plate.

In some embodiments the basal portion may be attached to the box using an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism may comprise a single-use mechanism, or may comprise a repeatable mechanism, for example wherein the basal portion may be used in a plurality of boxes, which may be single-use.

The attachment mechanism may comprise gravity, for example wherein the basal portion is held in place in use by solely the pizza or food and the inner surface of a lid.

In the pictured embodiment the removable centre basal portion is taken out via tearing along the perforations, whereby the attachment mechanism comprises perforations between the box and the basal portion. The attachment mechanism is then broken by tearing.

It may be envisaged that the box may be produced in an array of sizes to accommodate different sizes of pizza, in a manner common to the art. In Figures 16 and 19 indicative dimensions are shown.

It may be envisaged that the embodiment may be die cut into a single piece of sheet paperboard, as shown in Figure 20. To separate the centre basal portion from the rest of the box the user will simply tear along the perforated line.

The paperboard net would be die cut from a piece of sheet board, with the option to be printed on at the same time. From there it would be stacked and stored/ transported, where it would finally be assembled by hand when needed.

Material customisation can be applied to the different layers of the paperboard. Each layer can be made from a different form of paperboard which can affect strength, cost and weight.

Έ Flute’ cardboard makes up the majority of pizza boxes, with a material thickness of 1 .0 - 1 8mm. It gives good compression strength and crush resistance.

‘B Flute’ cardboard can also be used for manufacture, with a material thickness between 2.2 - 3.0mm thick. It has more give in compression but has good strength properties.

Whilst both flute styles use similar amounts of material, with just different flute pitch within the top and bottom layers, the Έ flute’ style may save on storage and transportation costs due to taking up less room when stacking the die-cut nets.

It may be envisaged that eco-friendly embodiments may use 100% recycled material which can be integrated with virgin materials to enhance strength. For example such virgin materials may be commonly extracted from wood sources, typically softwoods such as pine & spruce for their long fibres. Alternative material sources may include using the fibres from; sugarcane, straw, hemp, flax and other plant- based products. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.