CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

63/362,417, filed April 4, 2022 and entitled “Package Configured to Hold, Preserve, and/or Extend the Useful Life of Perishable Product, and Method of Making and Using Same”, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to packages for containing product, such as, but not limited to, liquid-exuding product, foodstuff, and/or other (e.g., perishable) product. In one optional embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a pouch having absorbent material held or contained in a pocket or section thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Packaging, such as stand-up pouches, are known to hold a variety of items, such as soap, certain foodstuff (e.g., pretzels), or items that may include purge that is liquid or fluid that exudes from “liquid-exuding product” such as, but not limited to, fresh cut fruit, frozen or fresh seafood or poultry products.

[0004] Prior art pouches can be produced or formed from a single piece of generally flexible film, which is folded and sealed upon itself, such as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0161174, which is hereby incorporated by reference. One current manufacturer of such pouches is AQUA STAR® of Seattle, Washington. Alternatively, these prior art pouches can be produced by attaching two or more pieces of film, for example where during manufacturing a bottom piece or sheet is moved transversely into a path of one or more other pieces or sheets, and then the various pieces or sheets are attached.

[0005] Conventional pouches that hold liquid-exuding product can include one or more absorbent pads or satchels that are added or inserted to the interior of the completed pouch (loosely) after the pouch is formed and at the time of or shortly before the pouch is filled with the liquid-exuding product. Such conventional pads are not fixed to the pouch, but can move inside the pouch. [0006] On downside of the above-described conventional arrangement is that the pad has a fixed capacity and is essentially onc-sizc-fits-all. In some instances, that capacity is insufficient. In other instances, some of the capacity is wasted if not needed. Another downside is that the absorbent pad of conventional pouches may not stay positioned in the desired location within the pouch, and has the potential to be useless or at least less effective if it moves (e.g., away from the bottom or if the pouch is titled) during transport or while being stocked on a shelf. A further downside is that loose pads can undesirably mix in with or be mistaken for other contents (e.g., foodstuff) of the pouch.

[0007] Users of prior art pouches with absorbent often complain that when the product is transported or thawed, for example, the purge is not adequately or fully absorbed because the absorbent is not maintained in the desired location (e.g., the bottom of the pouch). This can result in undesirable degradation of the product, resulting in the product being unfit or at least less than ideal for consumption or use.

SUMMARY

[0008] Despite the numerous benefits of the above and other prior art teachings, it would be desirable for a package or pouch to include an active material (sometimes also referred to herein as an “active”, “active member”, or “active component), which can include but is not limited to an absorbent, a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like, held in a pocket or portion thereof. The presently disclosed technology makes-up for the above and other drawbacks of the prior art, and accomplishes the above and other goals.

[0009] In particular, in one aspect, the presently disclosed technology ensures that the active material (e.g., but not limited to, an absorbent) will always be located in a predetermined location (e.g., at the bottom of the pouch) and will substantially or entirely absorb the free liquid of the contents of the product.

[0010] In one aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a single-use, standup pouch formed of one or more sheets of film that are folded, sealed, and/or attached into a final shape of a pouch. The pouch optionally includes an active material located or contained in a lower compartment thereof. A separator or filter separates the lower compartment from an upper compartment of the package that is configured to hold liquid-exuding product. [0011] In another aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a package configured to contain liquid-exuding product. The package is optionally formed from a single sheet of film that is folded and sealed at certain locations or two or more sheets of film that are attached at certain locations. The package includes a first compartment configured to hold the liquid-exuding product. The package includes a second compartment configured to hold an active component. A filter separates the first compartment from the second compartment.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a method of forming a package containing an active component configured to absorb purge from product within the package. The method can optionally include inserting absorbent into a bottom of the pouch. The method can include inserting a filter into the pouch and attaching an outer periphery of the filter to an interior surface of the pouch.

[0013] In one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a process or method to ensure that the liquid exuding from a product, sometimes referred to as “purge,” within the package is absorbed by an absorbent within the package.

[0014] In one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a package that includes some or all of the benefits described herein, and is also easily recyclable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a package according to one optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

[0017] Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the package shown in Fig. 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is bottom perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 1;

[0019] Figure 4 is another bottom perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 1; and

[0020] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the package shown in Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] While systems, devices and methods arc described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

[0022] Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0023] The term “liquid-exuding product” is broadly defined herein to include any product or products (e.g., foodstuff, frozen fresh foodstuff, seafood, flowers, etc.) from which moisture or liquid (e.g., oil and/or water) can (a) be emitted (such as meats, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables and the like), and/or (b) form on, adhere to, and/or release from depending upon the particular environment or atmosphere (e.g., due to the dew point temperature).

[0024] Thermoplastic staking (sometimes referred to herein as “thermoforming” or “thermo staking”) or heat staking is a process that uses heat to deform a plastic boss. In one optional embodiment, a plastic stud protruding from one component fits into a hole in the second component. The stud can then be deformed through the softening of the plastic to form a head, which can mechanically lock the two components together. Heat staking is a versatile technique that is quick, economical and consistent. Staking has the ability to join plastics to other materials (e.g., metal, PCB's) in addition to joining like or dissimilar plastics.

[0025] Optionally, a package of the presently disclosed technology can be in the form of a pouch, such as a stand-up pouch (e.g., a gusseted pouch or a pouch with a lower end that folds in a manner similar to or the same as a conventional paper bag) or a pouch without a defined shape. A stand-up pouch, which is sometimes referred to as a “doypack,” is a term of art, and those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a stand-up pouch is not a tray, or a bag that cannot stand erect. A stand-up pouch can remain vertical or upright without outside or external assistance. Active material or an active member or component (e.g., an absorbent) can be provided in a portion or compartment of the package.

[0026] Referring now in detail to the various figures of the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, Figs. 1-5 show a package, generally designated 10, which can be used according to an aspect of the disclosed concept. Optionally, the package 10 can be formed by or from a single sheet of optionally generally flexible film 12, or two or more separate pieces or sheets of optionally the film 12. The film 12 can be transparent, opaque, or light blocking. One side (e.g., exterior side) of the film 12 can optionally include indicia or advertisement(s) (e.g., such as in the form of a separate label or writing directly on the film 12). A second or opposing side (e.g., interior side) of the film 12 can optionally be devoid of any indicia or advertisement. The film 12 can be made from a flexible polymer. The film 12 can be formed of a polymeric material, but is not limited to such an embodiment as explained below.

[0027] Optionally, the film 12 can be rolled, folded, manipulated, cut, and/or at least partially or completely sealed to form a pouch. Optionally, the package 10 can be formed from two or more distinct pieces of film 12, which can be attached or adhered at distinct forms to create the desired shape of the pouch.

[0028] Optionally, if an active material 16 (e.g., an absorbent material) is included within the package 10, it can be beneficial for the package 10 to be formed from three separate sheets of the film 12. Such an arrangement can optionally be formed by including one sheet for the front of the package 10, another sheet for the back of the package 10, and a third sheet for the bottom of the package 10. The package 10 can have seals on the sides and the bottom thereof.

[0029] Optionally, if an active material 16 is not included in the package 10, the package 10 can be formed from a single piece of the film 12.

[0030] The film 12 is not limited to a particular type or style, and can be clear, transparent, translucent, opaque, or the like. The final form of the package 10 can be a stand-up pouch (c.g., in which the pouch can stand-up under its own strength with the bottom thereof facing the support surface), such as shown in Fig. 1, or the package 10 can have an undefined shape (e.g., a frozen bag of corn or peas).

[0031] The package 10 can include at least two or more separate compartments. In one embodiment, the package 10 can include a first or upper compartment, generally, designated 30, configured to hold product (schematically shown in Fig. 1 and identified by reference number 14), and a second or lower compartment, generally designated 32. Optionally, the lower compartment 32 can be configured to hold an active material, an active member, or an active component 16, as described in further detail below. In another optional embodiment, the lower compartment 32 can be devoid of active material.

[0032] In one optional embodiment, a liquid permeable filter 34 can be located within an interior of the package 10 and can be configured to separate or divide the first compartment 30 from the second compartment 32. The filter 34 can be configured to prevent material (e.g., liquid-exuding product 14) in the first compartment 30 from contacting material (e.g., an active material 16) in the second compartment 32. The filter 34 can optionally extend across the entire interior of the package 10.

[0033] In one optional embodiment, the filter 34 is formed of a material that is distinct or different from that of the film 12. In particular, the filter 34 can optionally be formed of flexible polymer. Optionally, the filter 34 is formed of a polymeric material having a plurality of holes extending therethrough. Such an embodiment would allow liquid to pass through the filter 34, but prevent other material or objects from passing therethrough.

[0034] Optionally, the filter 34 can be formed from the same material as the film 12

[0035] In another embodiment, the filter 34 is formed of a nonwoven. The nonwoven can be formed of a polymeric material, such that the filter 34 can be recycled with the film 12 of the package 10. Optionally, the nonwoven includes a sheath core formed of a polypropylene (PP)-polyethylene (PE) composition.

[0036] At least an entire outer periphery of the filter 34 can attach to the interior of the film 12, such as by heat (e.g., heat staking), adhesive, a mechanical means, or some other means. Optionally, the entire outer periphery of the filter 34 is sealed to the film 12, hut any remaining portion of the filter 34 is flexible or movable with respect to the film 12. Thus, the filter 34 can form a false bottom within the package 10.

[0037] In one embodiment, the filter 34 can move between a folded state (e.g., see Figs.

1, 2 and 5) when the package 10 is flat, and an expanded state (e.g., generally or approaching flat or horizontal) state (see Figs. 1, 3 and 4 when the package 10 is expanded). In the expanded state, the filter 34 can generally have an oval shape when viewed from above or below, which is partially the result of where the periphery of the filter 34 is attached to the interior of the film 12. In the folded state, the filter 34 can form a half-oval shape as shown in Fig. 2.

[0038] The filter 34 can remain attached to the interior surface of the film 12 throughout the use and/or movement of the package 10. In or between each state, the filter 34 is optionally spaced above a bottom 20 of the package 10, thereby forming a void or cavity 22 between a bottom surface of the filter 34 and an upper surface of the bottom 20 of the package 10. In one embodiment, the fdter 34 is suspended between 0.25 inches and 0.5 inches above the bottom or floor 20 of the package 10.

[0039] In one embodiment, the filter 34 is positioned closer to the bottom 20 of the package 10 than a top 24 thereof, such that the first compartment 30is larger than the second compartment 32. However, the presently disclosed technology is not limited to such a configuration.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 4, an active member, an active member, or an active component

16 can be located within the package 10. The active component 16, optionally in the form of an absorbent, a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like, can be configured to extend the shelf-life or useful life of the product 14 within the package 10. Optionally, the active component 16 can be inserted into the package 10 prior to the filter 34 being inserted into and/or attached to the package 10. The active component 16 is optionally located at or proximate to the bottom 20 of the package 10 (e.g., opposite an opening to the first compartment 30 or a cavity 22 formed by the package 10).

[0041] In any optional embodiment, the active component 16 can be an absorbent, such as but not limited to being configured to absorb liquid released from the product 14. The active component 16 can optionally be loose granules (e.g., powder or granules of hydroxymcthylccllulosc or other swcllablc polymer) or in non-granular form (e.g., a pad or single, unitary object). However, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, the active component 16 can be an entrained material or polymer including a base material (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent, and an active agent. However, other variations of an active component are possible. For example, an active member can also consist of a base material and an active agent, without a channeling agent. The channeling agent can form microscopic interconnecting channels through the entrained polymer. In other embodiments, the active component 16 can be or include a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like.

[0042] Optionally, the active component 16 can be in the form of or include a pad. In one optional embodiment, a porous material can include, house, or at least partially surround the absorbent material (e.g., powder), or can retain the absorbent material in or more reservoirs therein. In one optional embodiment, the pad can include a nonwoven.

[0043] Optionally, the pad can be attached to the sheet of film 12 by placing a heating element above the pad (e.g., nonwoven). The nonwoven can optionally include a sheath core of polypropylene (PP) -polyethylene (PE) composition. In operation, the PE melts and sticks to the film 12 beneath the pad. In another optional embodiment, the pad with absorbent material (e.g., powder) in it can be heat staked to the sheet of film 12. Alternatively, during formation of the package 10, a dispenser could dispense loose granules of absorbent onto the film 12 and then a nonwoven can be heat staked on top of the loose granules, thereby holding the loose granules in place with respect to a portion of the film 12.

[0044] In one embodiment, the nonwoven and/or the filter 34 includes or is composed of polyethylene terephthalates and polyethylene in a sheath and core configuration, thereby allowing the nonwoven to be heat sealed to the film. Optionally, the nonwoven and/or the filter 34 can have a density of approximately 20 g/m ² , or in the range of 10-30 g/m ² or in the range of 10-50 g/m ² . Optionally, the nonwoven and/or the filter 34 can have a thickness of 50 to 250 microns, optionally approximately 130 microns.

[0045] In one optional embodiment, the absorbent material can be or include code II silica or aluminum silica gel with an average particle size of (or less than) 1 mm. Optionally, the absorbent material can include one or more of a gel, a mineral (e.g., salt) and a cross link (e.g., bifunctional water-soluble crosslinker for carboxyl, amine and hydroxyl functional polymers, or ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE)).

Optionally, the absorbent material retains any, all, or most liquid exuded from the liquidexuding product 14. In one embodiment, the absorbent can be a superabsorbent, which in a dehydrated state occupies very little or low volume and creates very little or less bulk.

[0046] Optionally, the absorbent material is formed of or includes liquid absorbing particles or granules, preferably larger than 100 pm. Optionally, the absorbent material includes or is comprised of silica either natural or synthetic with varying cations.

[0047] Optionally, the absorbent material can be a composition of matter (e.g., powder mixture) or a single article (e.g., sponge), for example.

[0048] Absorbent materials usable in conjunction with methods according to the disclosed concepts include food safe absorbent materials having an absorbent composition of matter suitable for use with food products. The absorbent composition of matter has an absorbency, the absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the absorbent composition of matter.

[0049] In any embodiment, the absorbent material can include a cross-linked or a noncross-linked gel-forming polymer. Such gel-forming polymer can be water soluble or insoluble. In any embodiment, the absorbent material can further include at least one of the following: 1) at least one mineral composition, 2) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation, and/or 3) an inorganic buffer.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, the absorbent material can include at least one noncrosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one noncrosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe, the absorbent composition of matter being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the absorbent material can include the following: (i) at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinkcd gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinkcd gel forming polymer being food safe; and (ii) at least one mineral composition having a second absorbency, the second absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one mineral composition, the at least one mineral composition being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent material exceeding the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. It should, however, be understood that alternative absorbents such as those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosed concept.

[0052] In an optional embodiment, the absorbent material can include the following: (i) at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe; and (ii) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation, the at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent material exceeding the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. It should, however, be understood that alternative absorbent materials such as those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosed concept.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the absorbent material can include the following: (i) at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a first absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe; (ii) at least one mineral composition having a second absorbency, the second absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the at least one mineral composition, the at least one mineral composition being food safe; and/or (iii) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation, the at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent composition of matter exceeding a sum of the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material being compatible with food products such that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. It should, however, be understood that alternative absorbent materials such as those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosed concept. Any of the embodiments of the absorbent composition of matter described above may optionally comprise an inorganic or organic buffer.

[0054] Optionally, the absorbent material can contain from about 10% to 90% by weight, preferably from about 50% to about 80% by weight, and most preferably from about 70% to 75% by weight polymer. The non-crosslinked gel forming polymer can be a cellulose derivative such as carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and salts thereof, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, gelatinized starches, gelatin, dextrose, and other similar components, and may be a mixture of the above. Certain types and grades of CMC are approved for use with food items and are preferred when the absorbent material is to be so used. The preferred polymer is a CMC, most preferably sodium salt of CMC having a degree of substitution of about 0.7 to 0.9. The degree of substitution refers to the proportion of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule that have their hydrogen substituted by a carboxymethyl group. The viscosity of a 1% solution of CMC at 25° C., read on a Brookfield viscometer, should be in the range of about 2500 to 12,000 mPa. The CMC used in the Examples in Table 1 below was obtained from Hercules, Inc. of Wilmington, DE (under the trade name B315) or from AKZO Nobel of Stratford, Conn, (under the trade name AF3O85).

[0055] Optionally, a clay ingredient of the absorbent material can be of any variety of materials and is preferably attapulgite, montmorillonite (including bentonite clays such as hectorite), sericite, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, silica, and other similar materials, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, bentonite is used. Bentonite is a type of montmorillonite and is principally a colloidal hydrated aluminum silicate and contains varying quantities of iron, alkali, and alkaline earths. The preferred type of bentonite is hectorite which is mined from specific areas, principally in Nevada. Bentonite used in the Examples in Table 1 below was obtained from American Colloid Company of Arlington Heights, Ill. under the trade name BENTONITE AE-H.

[0056] Diatomaceous earth is formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are structured somewhat like honeycomb or sponge. Diatomaceous earth absorbs fluids without swelling by accumulating the fluids in the interstices of the structure. Diatomaceous earth was obtained from the American Colloid Company.

[0057] In one optional embodiment, clay and diatomaceous earth are present in an amount from about 10-90% by weight, optionally about 20-30% by weight, however, some applications, such as when the absorbent material is to be used to absorb solutions having a high alkalinity, i.e., marinades for poultry, can incorporate up to about 50% diatomaceous earth. The diatomaceous earth can replace nearly all of the clay, with up to about 2% by weight remaining clay.

[0058] Optionally, a trivalent cation is provided in a soluble salt, such as derived from aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, and other soluble salts of metal ions such as aluminum, chromium, and the like. Optionally, the trivalent cation is present at about 1% to 20%, most preferably at about 1% to 8%.

[0059] An inorganic buffer is one such as sodium carbonate (soda ash), sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and other similar materials. An organic buffer in the absorbent material can be citric acid, monopotassium phosphate, or buffer mixture with a set pH range. If a buffer is used, it is optionally at about 0.6%, however, beneficial results have been achieved with amounts up to about 15% by weight.

[0060] The mixture of the non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, trivalent cation, and clay forms an absorbent material which, when hydrated, has an improved gel strength over the non-crosslinked gel forming polymer alone. Further, the gel exhibits minimal syneresis, which is exudation of the liquid component of a gel.

[0061] In addition, the combined ingredients form an absorbent material which has an absorbent capacity which exceeds the total absorbent capacity of the ingredients individually. While not limited by this theory, it appears that the trivalent cation provides a cross-linking effect on the CMC once in solution, and that the clay swells to absorb and stabilize the gels. Further, as shown by Example D of Table 1 below, it appears that, in some cases at least, it is not necessary to add trivalent cation. It is thought that perhaps a sufficient amount of trivalent cation is present in the bentonite and diatomaceous earth to provide the crosslinking effect.

[0062] The gels formed by the absorbent material of the invention are glass clear, firm gels which may have applications in other areas such as for cosmetic materials. Some example absorbent materials in the embodiments of the disclosed concept arc set forth in Table 1. As used in Table 1, absorption is defined as the increased weight achieved in an absorbent pad structure of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 6,376,034, following placement of such pad in a tray-type container with 0.2% saline therein in such quantities as to not limit the access of fluid to the pad for up to 72-96 hours until no further increase of weight is apparent. The net absorption is the difference between the final weight of the pad and the dry starting weight, after deducting the net absorbency of the base pad material other than the absorbent blend, i.e., the fabric component. This is converted to a gram/gram number by dividing the net absorption by the total weight of absorbent blend incorporated in the pad. Such a procedure is accurate for comparative purposes when the pad structure used is the same for all the tested blends.

[0063] It is apparent from Table 1 that a significant synergistic effect has been achieved in the absorption behavior of these blends, resulting in dramatic improvement in absorption capacity of the blends compared to the individual components. As the non- CMC ingredients are of much lower cost than CMC itself, the blends achieve major reductions in cost per unit weight of absorption. [0064] The absorbent material is not particularly limited to any material class. However, in certain uses, the absorbent material needs to be food safe, possesses a desirable absorbency, and exhibits a minimum syneresis. For example, the absorbent material may include one or more of the following: tissue paper, cotton, sponge, fluff pulp, polysaccharide, polyacrylate, psillium fiber, guar gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, alginic acid, xyloglucan, pectin, chitosan, poly(DL-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactide-co- glycolide), poly-caprolactone, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, crosslinked polyethylene oxide, starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile, and a crosslinked or non-cross-linked gel-forming polymer.

[0065] Optionally, the active component 16 can be embedded or integrally formed with the filter 34.

[0066] In one aspect, the package 10 of the presently disclosed technology can be formed by, on, in, or with a gusseted bottom pouch-making machine, such as that disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2022/0402679 Al, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In another aspect, the package 10 of the presently disclosed technology can be formed by, on, or with a flat bottom pouch-making machine.

[0067] In either manufacturing method described above or other manufacturing methods, absorbent material, optionally in the form of absorbent powder or granules, can be applied to or deposited into the second compartment 32. In one optional embodiment, the filter 34 can be attached to an interior surface of the package 10, such as through heat staking, thermoform staking, welding, and/or by a food-safe adhesive. Next, product 14 can be inserted into the second compartment 32 of the package 10, and the top 24 of the package 10 can be sealed shut or otherwise closed.

[0068] Optionally, the filter 34 can form a pocket (e.g., the second compartment 32) that contains the absorbent material 16 in the package 10. The amount of the absorbent material can be modified depending upon the particular application and customer needs. In one optional embodiment, the pocket would have substantial additional space not taken up by the absorbent material to give the absorbent material room to swell when it absorbs liquid. As compared to the prior art, the presently disclosed technology provides more room for the active component 16 to expand and/or swell, such as while it absorbs the purge from the product 14, while preventing the active component 16 from directly contacting the product 14.

[0069] In an optional embodiment, the active component 16 (e.g., an absorbent) is attached to the film 12 at one stage of a vertical form fill and seal machine or a horizontal form fill and seal machine. For example, a premade active member, optionally with absorbent material inside or contained by a nonwoven component and the film 12, can be attached to a portion of a roll of film 12 as the film 12 is formed into a pouch or container by a vertical form fill and seal machine (VFFS) or a horizontal form fill and seal machine (HFFS), such as disclosed in Taiwan Publication No. 202243969 A, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In a different example, the active component 16 can be formed or constructed (e.g., enclosing or attaching absorbent material in a nonwoven component and/or the film) during formation of the pouch or counter instead of the active component 16 being premade.

[0070] Optionally, the package 10 can be configured such that the first compartment 30 is easily separable from the second compartment 32. For example, a line of demarcation, such as a zipper or a perforated portion of the film 12 can horizontally divide the package 10 and/or separate the first compartment 30 from the second compartment 32. When desired (e.g., such as once the active component 16 absorbed a sufficient amount of purge from the product 14), the second compartment 32 can be easily separated at the line of demarcation and discarded.

[0071] In any optional embodiment, the package 10 can be a mono-material pouch to allow the package 10 to be easily recyclable and/or compostable. For example, the film 12 and the filter 34 can be formed of the same or similar material, such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the filter 34 can be made from polylactic acid (PLA) and the film 12 can be formed from parchment paper.

[0072] One advantage of the presently disclosed technology is that, in one embodiment, the package 10 can be adjustable and/or adaptable based on the type and/or size of product 14 intended to be held. Optionally, a manufacturer can modify the location or point at which the filter 34 is attached to an interior surface of the film 12. For example, for product 14 that may release a relatively large amount of purge, the filter 34 can be attached to the film 12 at a location further away from the bottom of the package 10. In contrast, for product 14 that is expected to release a relatively small amount of purge, the filter 34 can be moved closer to the bottom of the package 10, thereby leaving more room in the first compartment 30 for the product 14 or for more product 14. As a result, the size of the second compartment 32 can be modified by the manufacturer depending on one or more variables, such as amount of product 14 to be held, and/or type of product 14 to be held

[0073] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially akin to claims (each set including a numerical designation followed by a letter (e.g., “A,” “B,” etc.), although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of “claims.”

[0074] 1A. A package for containing liquid-exuding product, the package being formed of a single sheet of film that is folded at certain locations to form a stand-up pouch, the package comprising: means for containing absorbent in a pouch located at or proximate to an interior surface of a bottom of a package formed of film.

[0075] IB. A stand-up pouch comprising a filter separating two compartments of the package, a lower compartment of the two compartments including absorbent.

[0076] 2B. The stand-up pouch of embodiment IB, wherein the absorbent is in the form of a pad.

[0077] 3B. The stand-up pouch of embodiment IB, wherein the absorbent is in the form of a powder.

[0078] 4B. The stand-up pouch of embodiment IB, further comprising frozen fresh foodstuff inside an upper compartment of the two compartments.

[0079] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.