Foamed Film Packaging

Abstract

A package includes at least one layer of foamed thin film having gaseous bubbles, void volumes, or cells. The foamed thin film includes a bio-based content of between about 10% and about 100%, a caliper of between about 10 and 250 microns, and a density reduction of between about a 5% to 50%, as compared to a non-foamed thin film of substantially the same caliper that does not comprise gaseous bubbles, void volumes, or cells.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This application relates to the field of packages comprising a foamed film layer, and more specifically, to the field of packages that comprise a foamed film layer made at least in part of renewable, recyclable and / or biodegradable materials.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Polyolefin-based plastic film is used to construct a wide variety of packages such as bags, pouches, labels and wraps that hold consumer goods. For example, bags holding stacks of disposable diapers or hygiene articles, pouches for wet wipes, and bags containing granular laundry detergent are often made from plastic film. The plastic film that forms a package may be a single layer of film (called a monofilm), or a combination of layers that can be co-extruded, fabricated as a laminate of separately produced layers that are adhered to one another, or fabricated as an extrusion lamination whereas one layer is extruded onto another previously formed layer(s).[0003]The specific composition...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a package that includes a layer of foamed thin film with gaseous bubbles, void volumes, or cells. The foamed thin film has a bio-based content between 10% and 100%, a caliper of 10-250 microns, and a density reduction of 5-50% compared to a non-foamed thin film of the same caliper that does not have gaseous bubbles, void volumes, or cells. The foamed thin film may also include a whitening additive to create a package with an opacity value of 35-99%. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a package with improved insulation and reduced weight while maintaining its strength.

Problems solved by technology

Much of the cost associated with such plastic film packages is the cost of the plastic resin that is used to make the film.

The redesign of the opening feature is costly in terms of engineering and evaluation time.

In addition, the redesign of the opening feature typically requires laborious adjustments of various manufacturing components and processes that create the opening feature on the film and possibly the purchase of new tooling as well.

Other consumers may have adverse perceptions about products derived from petrochemicals being “unnatural” or not environmentally friendly.

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