FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging. In particular but not exclusively the invention relates to insulated packaging and to a method of fabrication thereof. More particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to packaging of items which it is desirable to be maintain within a prescribed temperature range.

BACKGROUND

It is known to package items of foodstuffs such as cold cuts of meat in styrofoam trays for transport between locations, for example transport by a consumer from a retail outlet to a home. The item may be wrapped in a polymer barrier such as cling-film to protect the foodstuff from contamination and to prevent contamination of other items by the foodstuff.

It is increasingly common for fresh foodstuffs such as specialty meats to be shipped relatively large distances by next-day delivery. In such cases the foodstuff must be kept at a relatively low temperature throughout the shipping period. In the case of meats for example it may be stipulated that the product must be maintained at a temperature below 5 ^< € throughout the shipping period.

It is known to provide packaging for shipment of fresh foodstuffs in the form of a polystyrene box having a removable polystyrene lid. Disposal of the polystyrene material once the foodstuff has been removed from the packaging typically presents an environmental hazard since polystyrene is not known to be an environmentally friendly material.

It is also known to use a cardboard box having insulating elements provided therein to insulate cold foodstuffs from walls of the box. In one known arrangement insulating elements are in the form of polythene bags of blown plastics material containing an insulating material.

GB849815 discloses an improved method and means for storing and transporting goods such as cinematographic films liable to be damaged by heat and moisture. The document discloses placing sealed cans in a packing case lined with a heat and moisture insulating material. Silica gel may be placed inside the sealed cans with film to be stored.

US4802233 discloses an insulated carrying case formed from a thermally insulating flexible sheet material. The case is arranged to receive cardboard pizza boxes therein.

US6281477 discloses a delivery bag for pizza including panels formed from a flexible insulating material capable of conveying moisture from an interior surface to an exterior surface. One or more pockets are fixed to the interior surfaces of the panels and a modular heating element is provided in each pocket. The document discloses that the bag allows pizzas to be kept warm without becoming soggy.

GB2255170 discloses a hot food bag made from porous material arranged to vent steam and food vapours through a fabric of the bag.

GB2443809 discloses a composite insulating material for food storage and/or transportation. The material has a porous lining layer such as a mesh, a micro-fleece layer comprising hollow fibres for retaining heat and removing moisutre and a moisture resistant thermal barrier for trapping air and reflecting heat back towards a heat source, the three layers being fused together to form a single composite material.

GB2555170 discloses an insulated bag made of a porous material to vent steam and food vapours through a fabric of the bag. The bag can be sealed against normal ingress of cold air by strips of Velcro (RTM) material around a closure flap.

WO2005/092739 discloses an absorbent and insulating tray for take-away food. The tray has a liner having two layers comprising a water-wicking material such as a nonwoven material and an absorbent and highly thermally insulating material.

US5454471 discloses an improved container for transporting food and similar products. The container has one or more layers of a breathable material permeable to water vapour but repellent to liquid. Moisture from food can therefore be dissipated, thereby avoiding the development of a soggy texture of the foodstuff. US4862730, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of determining the degree of moisture vapour transmission of certain materials which comprises taking a weighed test cup containing a saturated salt solution sealed inside the cup with a waterproof, moisture vapour permeable barrier, and placing it over a sample that is supported on a waterproof, moisture vapour permeable barrier over a controlled temperature water bath. After a set time, the cup is re-weighed and the water pick up recorded. The method is referred to as the "Gore cup method" and values of moisture vapour transmission rate as determined by the Gore cup method are used herein.

In addition, values of Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer (RET) are also used, as used in European Standard EN31092.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an insulating absorption assembly for use in the control of a relative humidity to which an object is exposed in transit comprising: a moisture-permeable barrier layer; and a moisture-retaining insulation layer comprising natural wool, the assembly being arranged such that moisture is able to pass from an ambient environment through the moisture-permeable barrier layer to the moisture-retaining insulation layer where it is retained.

Such a packaging assembly has the advantage that a relative humidity of an atmosphere in fluid communication with the barrier layer may be reduced. This is because wool material has the property that it is hygroscopic.

This feature in turn has the advantage of reducing a thermal conductivity of the atmosphere, thereby reducing a rate of heat transfer between an item stored in the atmosphere and an external environment. This is because moist air has a higher thermal conductivity than dry air.

For example, if an item of foodstuff is to be maintained in a container below 5 ^< € an ice pack may be inserted within the container and/or the item of foodstuff cooled (in some cases frozen) and then placed within the container. A rate of heating of the item to ambient temperature may be considerably reduced in the presence of the insulation layer and barrier relative to packaging not having these layers, such as plain polystyrene containers.

Similarly, embodiments of the invention are useful for storing items that are to be maintained at or above a prescribed temperature, or as warm as possible, and yet in a relatively dry atmosphere. For example, it is known that pizza can become overly moist when stored in an environment such as a conventional pizza box formed from a cardboard material, due to a build up of moisture condensing from water vapour emanating from the pizza foodstuff.

In addition to foodstuffs, some embodiments of the invention are also useful for use in the storage of articles such as organs for transplants, blood samples, forensic samples and articles of historic significance that are sensitive to moisture such as papers and parchments. Some embodiments of the invention are also suitable for storing moisture- sensitive materials such as chemicals.

An advantage of some embodiments of the invention is that a build up of moisture in the form of condensed liquid can be avoided. Thus, in some embodiments the article being stored does not come into direct contact with liquid. This has the advantage that growth of bacteria can be suppressed. Furthermore contamination of the foodstuff with bacteria present in condensed liquid can be avoided. This may be of particular importance in the transport of foodstuffs or organs for transplant, for example.

In some embodiments the moisture-permeable barrier layer is a material that is intrinsically moisture-permeable. In other words, in some embodiments the formation of macroscopic apertures in an otherwise moisture-impermeable barrier layer is not intended to be included within the meaning of this term.

It is noted that none of the cited prior art documents discloses the use of natural wool as an insulating and moisture-absorbing material. As stated above, natural wool has the advantage that it is hygroscopic. It also has the advantage that it is biodegradable.

By biodegradable material is meant a material that may be subjected to chemical breakdown by one or more living organisms. The absorption assembly preferably further comprises a moisture-impermeable barrier layer arranged to prevent moisture retained by the moisture-retaining insulation layer from passing beyond the moisture-impermeable barrier layer.

The assembly may be provided in the form of a unitary laminar structure, the moisture- impermeable barrier layer providing a substrate, the moisture-retaining insulation layer being provided between at least a portion of the moisture-impermeable barrier layer and the moisture-permeable barrier layer.

The moisture-impermeable barrier layer may be arranged to provide a substantially rigid substrate.

Thus, the assembly may be provided in the form of a structural material for the fabrication of structures and articles therefrom, such as containers.

The insulation layer may be provided in contact with the moisture-permeable barrier layer and the moisture-impermeable barrier layer.

The moisture-retaining insulation layer may be coupled to the moisture-impermeable barrier layer.

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may be coupled to the insulation layer.

The absorption assembly may be provided in the form of a unitary insert arranged to be inserted into a chamber of a packaging structure such as a container thereby to reduce a relative humidity of an ambient environment of the chamber.

The term chamber is to be understood to include a container such as a box, a bag or any other suitable structure in which an object may be placed for transportation.

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may be formed from a biodegradable material.

The biodegradable material may comprise a biodegradable polymer material.

The insulation layer may be formed to be biodegradable. Thus, the entire absorption assembly may be formed to be biodegradable.

The insulation layer may comprise a viscose-rayon in addition to said natural wool.

The moisture-impermeable barrier layer may be formed from a biodegradable material.

The biodegradable material preferably comprises at least one selected from amongst a biodegradable polymer material, a paper material and a cardboard material.

The assembly may further comprise a removable protector layer, the protector layer comprising a moisture-impermeable barrier, the removable protector layer being arranged to prevent ingress of moisture to the moisture-retaining insulation layer until the protector layer is removed.

The protector layer may be coupled to the assembly by means of an adhesive.

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may have a Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer (RET) value of less than 15m ² PaW ^"1 .

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may have a water vapour transmission rate of greater than 30,000 gm ^"2 per 24 hours as measured by the Gore cup method described in US4862730.

Alternatively the moisture-permeable barrier may have a moisture vapour transmission rate of greater than at least one selected from amongst 20,000 gm ^"2 per 24h, 10,000 gm ^{" 2} per 24h, 2000 gm ^"2 per 24h, 1 ,500 gm ^"2 per 24h, 1 ,000 gm ^"2 per 24h and 500 gm ^"2 per 24h as measured by the Gore cup method.

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may be arranged to allow moisture to pass therethrough in one direction only.

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may comprise a plurality of pores.

The pores may be present as gaps between fibres of which the barrier layer is formed, such as fibres of a barrier layer formed from a non-woven material such as a non-woven viscose-rayon. Alternatively the pores may be present as pores. The pores may have a diameter of substantially 5mm or less.

The pores may have a diameter of one selected from amongst 1000 microns or less, 500 microns or less, 100 microns or less, 50 microns or less, 10 microns or less and 5 microns or less.

The moisture-permeable barrier may be arranged to allow moisture to pass therethrough in only one direction. Thus, the moisture-permeable barrier may be arranged to allow moisture to pass therethrough to the moisture-retaining insulation layer.

The assembly may be arranged to have a carbon: nitrogen ratio of one selected from around 20:1 to around 30:1 , around 25:1 , from around 5:1 to around 10:1 and around 7:1.

Optionally the moisture-permeable barrier layer may be arranged to provide an envelope around the insulation layer.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a packaging structure for packaging an object therein, the structure defining a chamber in which the object may be placed, wherein at least a portion of the structure is formed from an insulating absorption assembly according to the first aspect.

The structure may have a wall defining the chamber of the structure, the wall comprising the moisture-impermeable barrier layer of the assembly.

The moisture-impermeable barrier layer of the assembly may provide an outer wall of the structure.

Alternatively the structure may have a wall defining the chamber of the structure, the moisture-impermeable barrier layer being provided in juxtaposition with an inner surface of the wall.

The structure may be arranged to allow an object to be placed above the moisture- permeable barrier layer thereby to allow fluids emanating from the object to drain through the moisture-permeable barrier layer. The packaging structure may be suitable for transporting at least one selected from amongst hot foodstuffs and cold foodstuffs.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of packaging an object for transportation comprising: placing the object in a container in fluid communication with an insulating absorption assembly, the insulating absorption assembly comprising: a moisture-permeable barrier layer; and a moisture-retaining insulation layer comprising natural wool, the assembly being arranged such that moisture is able to pass from an ambient environment within the container through the moisture-permeable barrier layer to the moisture-retaining insulation layer where it is retained.

The container may comprise the absorption assembly.

The absorption assembly may be arranged to be inserted into the container.

Preferably a protector layer comprising a removable moisture-impermeable barrier is provided between the moisture-permeable barrier and an ambient atmosphere, the method comprising the step of removing the protector layer prior to use of the absorption assembly thereby to expose the moisture-permeable barrier to the atmosphere.

The method may further comprise the step of heating the moisture-retaining insulation layer prior to placing the object in the container.

The step of heating the moisture-retaining insulation layer may comprise the step of heating the container.

The step of heating the moisture-retaining insulation layer may be performed after removing the protector layer.

In a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an insulating absorption assembly for use in packaging objects comprising: a moisture-permeable barrier layer; and a moisture-retaining insulation layer comprising natural wool, the assembly being arranged such that moisture is able to pass from an ambient environment through the moisture- permeable barrier layer to the moisture-retaining insulation layer where it is retained. The moisture-permeable barrier layer may be arranged to provide an envelope around the insulation layer.

The absorption assembly may further comprise a moisture-impermeable barrier layer arranged to prevent moisture retained by the moisture-retaining insulation layer from passing beyond the moisture-impermeable barrier layer.

The assembly may be provided in the form of a laminar structure, the moisture- impermeable barrier layer providing a substrate, the moisture-retaining insulation layer being provided between at least a portion of the moisture-impermeable barrier layer and the moisture-impermeable barrier layer.

In a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided an insulating absorption assembly in the form of a unitary laminar structure for use in the control of a relative humidity to which an object is exposed in transit comprising: a moisture-permeable barrier layer; a moisture-retaining insulation layer comprising natural wool; and a moisture- impermeable barrier layer arranged to prevent moisture retained by the moisture- retaining insulation layer from passing beyond the moisture-impermeable barrier layer.

The moisture-impermeable barrier layer may provide a substrate for the assembly, the moisture-retaining insulation layer being provided between at least a portion of the moisture-impermeable barrier layer and the moisture-permeable barrier layer.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging assembly comprising: at least one wall member defining an interior volume of the assembly; an insulation layer comprising a natural wool material arranged to absorb moisture within the interior volume; and a moisture-permeable barrier, wherein the insulation layer is provided between the wall member and the moisture-permeable barrier, the moisture- permeable barrier being formed from a material having a Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer (RET) value of less than 15m ² PaW ^"1 , the assembly being arranged whereby a relative humidity of the interior volume of the packaging assembly may be reduced by passage of moisture through the moisture-permeable barrier layer to the insulation layer.

The barrier layer may be arranged to provide an envelope enclosing the insulation layer. Alternatively or in addition the insulation layer may be sandwiched between the wall member and the barrier layer.

The insulation layer may be provided in contact with the wall member and the moisture- permeable barrier.

The insulation layer may be coupled to the wall member, optionally by means of at least one selected from amongst an adhesive and one or more fixing elements.

The barrier layer may be coupled to the insulation layer, optionally by means of at least one selected from amongst an adhesive and one or more fixing elements.

The moisture-permeable barrier may have a RET value of less than 1 Om ² PaW ^"1 , preferably less than 5m ² PaW ^"1 , more preferably less than 3m ² PaW ^"1 , still more preferably less than 2m ² PaW ^"1 .

The moisture-permeable barrier may have a water vapour transmission rate of greater than 30,000 gm ^"2 per 24 hours as measured by the Gore cup method described in US4862730.

Preferably the moisture-permeable barrier has a moisture vapour transmission rate of greater than 20,000 gm ^"2 per 24h, preferably greater than 10,000 gm ^"2 per 24h, more preferably greater than 2000 gm ^"2 per 24h, optionally greater than 1 ,500 gm ^"2 per 24h, further optionally greater than 1 ,000 gm ^"2 per 24h, preferably greater than 500 gm ^"2 per 24h.

The assembly may comprise an element arranged to provide heating or cooling of at least a portion of the interior volume of the assembly.

The element may comprise a fluid filled reservoir or a substantially solid block of material.

The barrier layer may be formed from a biodegradable material such as a biodegradable polymer material. Suitable materials include polylactic acid based materials or any other suitable biodegradable material. The packaging assembly may be formed to be compostable. The assembly may be arranged to be compostable on a timescale compatible with commercial composting.

A composition of the assembly may be arranged to act as a soil conditioner in combination with a residue of a foodstuff intended to be packaged by the assembly, such as a residue of pizza.

The assembly may be formed substantially entirely from biodegradable material.

The assembly may comprise one or more compostable materials.

The assembly may be formed substantially entirely from one or more compostable materials.

A composition of the assembly may be such that the assembly is suitable for use as at least one selected from amongst a soil conditioner, a fertiliser and a humectant.

Preferably the assembly is suitable for use as at least one selected from amongst a soil conditioner, a fertiliser and a humectant following at least one selected from amongst composting, decomposition, cutting, shredding and mashing.

The assembly may be arranged to be suitable for use as at least one selected from amongst a soil conditioner, a fertiliser and a humectant without addition of further materials.

The assembly may be arranged to have a nitrogen and carbon balance suitable for composting of the assembly without addition of further material.

The assembly may be arranged to have a nitrogen and carbon balance suitable for composting of the assembly in the presence of a prescribed further material.

The prescribed further material may correspond to an expected amount and expected composition of a material which the assembly is to package or a portion thereof.

The further material may comprise one or more foodstuffs. The element may comprise at least one selected from amongst a biodegradable material, soil nutrients, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

The moisture-permeable barrier layer may comprise a barrier layer not being a perforated layer.

The insulation layer may consist substantially of the wool material.

The insulation layer may consist exclusively of the wool material.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of packaging an object comprising the steps of: providing a packaging assembly according to the first aspect; and placing an object inside the packaging assembly.

The method may further comprise providing an element arranged to provide heating or cooling of at least a portion of the interior volume of the assembly.

The element may comprise a passive element, optionally an ice pack.

The method may further comprise the step of allowing the assembly to undergo a composting process.

The step of allowing the assembly to undergo a composting process may be preceded by the step of removing the object from the assembly.

The method may further comprise the step of placing the assembly in a composting apparatus.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided use of a packaging assembly to form compost comprising the steps of: providing a packaging assembly according to the first aspect; and allowing the assembly to undergo a composting process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURE 1 shows a biodegradable packaging assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in which a box is provided having pillows of natural wool material enclosed in envelopes formed from a moisture-permeable barrier;

FIGURE 2 shows (a) a biodegradable insulating absorption assembly in the form of a laminated sheet of material having a substrate, a layer of natural wool insulation material and a moisture-permeable barrier layer and (b) a biodegradable packaging assembly as shown in (a) further provided with a protector layer;

FIGURE 3 shows a biodegradable insulating absorption assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in the form of an insert member for inserting into a container;

FIGURE 4 shows a biodegradable insulating absorption assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention in the form of an insert member for inserting into a container; and

FIGURE 5 shows a biodegradable insulating absorption assembly in the form of a bag having a moisture-impermeable outer layer and a layer of a natural wool insulation material sandwiched between the moisture-impermeable outer layer and an inner moisture-permeable barrier layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the invention a biodegradable insulating absorption assembly 100 is provided to enclose an article 101 to be stored within a prescribed temperature range for a prescribed period of time.

The assembly 100 has a box portion 1 10 formed from a cardboard material. Other materials are also useful, and in particular materials substantially impermeable to atmospheric moisture for a prescribed period of time. For example, the box portion 1 10 may alternatively be formed from a plastics material, a metallic material or any other suitable material. For the purposes of some applications cardboard may be considered to be substantially impermeable to atmospheric moisture. For example, for the purposes of shipment of an item of foodstuff over a 24-48 hour period cardboard may be considered to be substantially impermeable to atmospheric moisture levels found in many parts of the world.

Optionally a further water-impermeable layer may be provided on an inside or an outside of the box portion 1 10. Such a layer may be particularly useful in environments having relatively high humidity.

Within the box portion 1 10 there are provided moisture-absorbing pillows 120. The pillows 120 are each in the form of an envelope of a moisture-permeable barrier layer 130 containing a natural wool material 121 . The pillows 120 may be arranged to be provided between inner faces of walls of the box portion 1 10 and the article 101 to be stored.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the pillows 120 are provided in contact with an inner face of walls of the box portion 1 10, the article 101 to be stored being provided in contact with one or more of the pillows 120 or being placed upon a base of the box portion 1 10.

FIG. 2(a) shows an embodiment in which a layered structure 200 is provided from which a container for storing an article may be formed. The structure 200 has a substrate 210 formed from a cardboard material. Other materials are also useful for forming the substrate 210 such as plastics materials, metallic materials or any other suitable material as discussed above.

The structure 200 has an insulation layer 220 formed from a natural wool material. The insulation layer 220 is sandwiched between the substrate 210 and a moisture-permeable barrier layer 230. The insulation layer 220 is coupled to the substrate 210 and the barrier layer 230 by means of an adhesive. Other methods of coupling the insulation layer 220 to the substrate and/or the barrier layer 230 are also useful, such as mechanical fixing elements such as staples or any other suitable fixing element.

A pizza storage carton was formed having walls formed from the layered structure 200. The carton was arranged to have outer dimensions similar to those of a conventional cardboard pizza storage carton. It was found that the cooling time of a foodstuff in the carton could be at least doubled and humidity in a head space of the assembly (within the carton above the pizza) was substantially reduced compared with control samples of the same foodstuff in a conventional pizza box.

FIG. 2(b) shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 2(a) in which a protector layer 240 is provided. The purpose of the protector layer 240 is to prevent exposure of the insulation layer 220 to moisture until a prescribed moment determined by a user. At the prescribed moment the user removes one or more windows 241 formed in the protector layer 240. In the embodiment shown the one or more windows 241 are defined in the protector layer 240 by perforations 242.

Thus when a user is ready to place a foodstuff (such as a hot pizza or a cold foodstuff) or other article to be stored in fluid communication with the insulation layer, the one or more windows 241 are removed thereby exposing the insulation layer (via moisture- permeable barrier 230) to the atmosphere in which the article is stored.

In some embodiments a volume in which the article is stored is defined at least in part by the structure 200. Thus, in some embodiments a box or like container is formed from the structure 200. In some embodiments a portion of a box or container is formed from the structure 200 or has a sheet or other arrangement of the structure 200 provided therein.

For example, in some embodiments of the invention an insert is provided for a container such as a pizza box. An example of such an insert 300 is shown in FIG. 3.

The insert 300 has an outer wall 310 defining a volume and formed from a substantially moisture-impermeable material. Cardboard is used to form the outer wall 310 in the embodiment shown. Other materials are also useful, such as a plastics material. Biodegradable plastics materials are particularly desirable from an environmental perspective.

A layer of an insulating material 320 is provided within the insert 300. A window 341 is defined in a wall 31 1 of the insert 300, the window being defined by one or more perforations.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 a moisture-permeable barrier 330 is provided in abutment with an inner face of the wall 31 1 in which the window is provided. Thus, upon removing the window 341 , the moisture-permeable barrier is exposed allowing passage of moisture from one side of the barrier to the other and thus from the atmosphere in which an article is being stored to the insulation layer 320.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the presence of the barrier 330 in abutment with the wall 31 1 , the insulation layer 320 is enclosed within an envelope formed from the moisture-impermeable barrier.

It is to be understood that the insert may be arranged to collect fluid draining from the packaged object. Thus, the insert may be arranged to collect grease or other fluids draining from a pizza. In some embodiments the insert may be arranged to collect fluids draining from a cold foodstuff such as a cold meat, or an organ.

It is to be understood that collection of fluids draining from an object has the advantage that contamination of portions of the packaging with the fluids may be avoided or reduced. For example, it is known that cardboard contaminated with grease can be difficult to recycle.

Accordingly, in the case that it is desirable to provide a recyclable cardboard pizza packaging structure, an insert may be provided for the cardboard packaging such as insert 300, the insert 300 being arranged to collect oils and greases draining from the pizza foodstuff. Contamination of the cardboard with oils and greases may thereby be avoided, whilst simultaneously reducing a relative humidity of the environment (e.g. air) to which the pizza is exposed during transport. Other arrangements are also useful.

A consumer may therefore have the opportunity to submit the cardboard packaging, uncontaminated with grease, for recycling whilst the insert 300 may be submitted for composting. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention in the form of an insert 400 having a tray 410 formed from a biodegradable plastics material. The tray 410 may alternatively be formed from cardboard or any other suitable material.

The tray 410 contains a moisture-retaining insulation material 420 formed from natural wool. In some embodiments the insulation material also includes a further one or more materials such as viscose-rayon or any other suitable biodegradable material. Non biodegradable materials are also useful in some embodiments.

A moisture-permeable barrier layer 430 is sealed around a perimeter of a lip of the tray 410 forming a cover. A removable moisture-impermeable barrier layer 440 is provided over the moisture-permeable layer 430.

In use, when it is required to use the insert 400 to reduce a relative humidity of a container, the removable moisture-impermeable barrier layer is removed thereby exposing the moisture-permeable barrier layer. The insert is placed in the container so that it will absorb moisture present within the atmosphere of the container such as food vapours, steam and other airborne moisture.

FIG. 5 shows a biodegradable insulating absorption assembly in the form of a packaging assembly 500. The assembly is in the form of a bag 500 in which an article to be stored is contained within a volume defined by a flexible moisture-impermeable barrier 510. In some embodiments the barrier 510 is provided by a plastics material such as a blown plastics material.

Other materials are also useful.

A layer of a natural wool insulation material 520 is sandwiched between the moisture- impermeable barrier 510 and a moisture-permeable barrier 530 provided on an inside of the assembly 500.

The bag 500 is provided with an opening 560 arranged to be sealable. The opening 560 may be sealable by means of a reversible seal such as a hook and loop seal (e.g. Velcro®), a multiple-use adhesive seal, a single-use adhesive seal (e.g. a tamper- evident seal), a zip or zip-like seal, a heat-weld seal or any other suitable seal. The bag is useful for transporting articles 501 that must be maintained within a prescribed temperature range for a prescribed period of time as described above with respect to other embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that because natural wool material is used as the insulating material in the embodiments described above, a packaging assembly may be provided that is substantially entirely biodegradable. In some embodiments a packaging assembly is provided that is substantially entirely compostable.

In some applications of the assembly the nature of the object or objects to be transported within the assembly is known. It may further be known that the assembly may be discarded together with a known waste such as a portion of the object or objects that were packaged with the assembly.

For example it may be known that liquids secreted by the object and/or other portions of the object may be discarded with the assembly, e.g. due to absorption by the assembly.

A composition of the assembly may therefore be arranged such that the assembly in combination with the known waste has a composition suitable for use as a soil conditioner, a fertiliser and/or other useful agricultural purpose.

For example, it is known that a carbon: nitrogen ratio of around 25:1 to 35:1 , preferably around 30:1 is ideal for forming a good compost for use in agriculture or horticulture. Thus, in some embodiments the assembly may be formed to have a C: N ratio in this range. In some embodiments the assembly may be formed to have a C: N ratio in this range when provided in combination with the portion of the packaged object that it is expected to be discarded with.

In some embodiments where an insert is provided for a packaging container, the insert 300, 400 may itself be formed to have a carbon: nitrogen ratio of around 25:1 to 35:1 . Alternatively the insert 300, 400 may be formed to have a carbon: nitrogen ratio in this range when provided in combination with the portion of the packaged object it is expected to be discarded with, such as oils and greases from a foodstuff or other object.

Other arrangements are also useful. It is to be understood that in some embodiments the moisture-permeable membrane is arranged to provide a barrier to travel of bacteria and/or other biohazardous substances from the moisture-retaining insulation material to the object being transported.

In some embodiments a heating element or a cooling element may be provided in order to influence a temperature of the interior volume of the packaging. The element may be in the form of a fluid-filled reservoir such as an ice-pack or heat-pack.

The fluid may contain substances useful in balancing an overall composition of the assembly to a required composition. For example the fluid may contain a material arranged to provide a supply of at least one selected from amongst carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to improve a quality of a compost formed by composting the embodiment. For example the fluid may contain a potassium salt or any other suitable substance. It is to be understood that in some embodiments the element will be safe for use in combination with foodstuff packaging.

In some embodiments the element contains fluid suitable for promoting composting or other biodegradation of the assembly, for example a source of water required for the biological processes involved.

An assembly according to embodiments of the invention may be arranged to be processed following use by cutting (e.g. shredding), mashing, tearing or a combination thereof. The assembly may be arranged to be suitable for use as a humectant before or after such processing. The assembly may be arranged to be suitable for use as a humectant following composting or other biodegradation process in addition to or instead of processing by cutting, mashing and/or tearing.

Natural wool material for use in embodiments of the invention may be treated to increase a moisture absorption capability. For example, the material may be treated to remove at least a portion of an exocuticle of fibres of the wool, for example by plasma treatment. It has been found that plasma treatment of natural wool can increase a moisture absorbency of natural wool by up to around 500%. A rate of moisture absorption can also be increased by removing at least a portion of the exocuticle of fibres of the wool. Other means for removing exocuticle such as chemical processing are also useful. In some embodiments the moisture-retaining insulation material used to fabricate embodiments of the invention comprises sterilized natural wool.

It is to be understood that natural wool is known to be useful as a good humous thereby being useful as a soil conditioner. Thus the use of a moisture-retaining insulation layer comprising natural wool has the advantage that it is desirable for use in agriculture thereby encouraging a user to submit embodiments of the invention for composting.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.