Packaging system and packaging material production method

Abstract

The present invention describes the production method of an environmentally friendly packaging materials produced from cellulose and / or other polysaccharides to be used in the packaging and transportation of perishable fresh fruits and vegetables, especially berries, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, and unprocessed products such as fish and meat. The two-layered new packaging material provides 10 a passive modified atmosphere through the interconnected pore structure. The upper layer is denser and provides protection against mechanical damage while the inner layer is softer and provides a cushioning effect for the perishable contents.

Description

[0001] PACKAGING SYSTEM AND PACKAGING MATERIAL PRODUCTION

[0002] METHOD

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a cellulose and / or other polysaccharide-based packaging system and packaging material production method used to increase the shelf life and durability of unprocessed foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. The two-layered new packaging material provides a passive modified atmosphere through the interconnected pore structure. The upper layer is denser and provides protection against mechanical damage while the inner layer is softer and provides a cushioning effect for the perishable contents.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Packaging plays a critical role in the preservation, transportation, sales, and presentation of perishable food products such as fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat. To preserve delicate fruits such as berries (strawberries, mulberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, redcurrants, and others), apricots and peaches, tomatoes, as well as unprocessed products such as fish and meat, appropriate packaging materials should be considered that meet the specific requirements of these products. Packaging protects products against physical, chemical, and microbiological agents, thus extending their shelf life while helping to maintain their quality until they reach the consumer.

[0007] Traditionally, a variety of materials have been used for food packaging, including polymer, glass, metal, and paper. Polymers are a particularly popular choice due to their lightness, flexibility, and water resistance. Common packaging materials used in the food industry include synthetic polymers such as styrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene; or composite materials that combine different materials such as polymers, paperboard, and aluminum. These materials generally offer high durability and cost-effectiveness, but are not biodegradable, they pause a risk of long-term environmental damage, and they are difficult to recycle, especially when mixed with other materials.

[0008] In recent years, the demand for sustainable packaging materials has increased. Biodegradable and compostable materials are being developed with the aim of reducing negative environmental impact. Cellulose-based packaging materials stand out as viable alternatives because they are produced from renewable resources, and they are fully biodegradable. Cellulose is a natural polymer found in plant cell walls and is widely used in paper and cardboard production. Modified cellulose materials and cellulosic nanofibers have created suitable alternatives for food packaging applications by offering improved mechanical properties and water barrier functions.

[0009] In today's world where food safety and sustainability concepts have gained importance, the environmental impact of packaging materials, food safety standards, and recycling potentials are being evaluated with great care. Therefore, packaging materials obtained from environmentally friendly, renewable, and sustainable resources, especially cellulose-based products, have become a priority in meeting these needs. The newly developed cellulose-based packaging materials pioneer innovations in this field by offering advantages such as improved barrier properties, mechanical resistance, and biodegradability. However, in current applications, wooden cases, polymer boxes, polystyrene foam containers, or corrugated cardboard are used during the transportation and storage of soft fruits such as berries, apricots, and peaches. Such packaging designs cannot protect fruits against impact and crushing, and fruits that are open to air deteriorate in a short time due to oxidation, humidity, and microorganisms such as mold. The solution proposed in the present invention provides a very important advantage especially during the domestic and international trade of the aforementioned fruits. The new packaging material helps fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and other fresh food to last longer, preserve their taste, smell, nutrition, and overall quality. US5362776 describes the production of cellulose-based biodegradable packaging materials. The production method describes the production of foam pellet materials from cellulose fibers, aimed to be used instead of polystyrene packaging products that are currently in use. The patent specifically describes the production of foam pellets that protect products carried in boxes and serves a different purpose than the system we propose.

[0010] US 10787303 B2 describes a packaging material obtained from natural fibers such as cotton, which swells and insulates when opened, folds and is suitable for a rectangular box form is mentioned. Unlike the present invention, it does not have a protection feature from atmospheric gases such as oxygen.

[0011] US5106880 describes a packaging material similar to the present invention in some respects. The structure in question is an open-cell structure that allows gas passage. The material suggested in the patent is a foamy polymer obtained by combining cellulose fibers with cellulose starch and turned into foam using gas.

[0012] US 2005 / 0266129 Al describes a method to create micropores in polymer packaging to balance oxygen, moisture, and CO2 inlet-outlet. This method is known today as the “passive modified atmosphere packaging” technique. The suggested packaging materials are petroleum-derived polymer films and are different from the materials suggested in the present invention. In addition, since the materials suggested in this patent are thin films, they do not have impact protection properties.

[0013] US 2005 / 0266129 Al describes cellulose-based box packages as an alternative to expanded polystyrene box packages. The purpose of the package is thermal insulation and protection against impacts. It does not have functions of gas permeation and protection from the surrounding atmosphere.

[0014] US 2005 / 0266129 Al applies the previously mentioned passive modified atmosphere packaging technique to transportation containers for the preservation of fresh food products. The materials recommended for transportation containers are largely petroleum-derived materials such as polyester, polystyrene, and polypropylene. However, cellulose-based materials are also mentioned. The patent describes the production method of packaging materials and the creation of micropores using laser beams. This material is also a single-layer foam material unlike the double-layered material in the present invention.

[0015] US 2005 / 0266129 Al describes the design and production of boxes consisting of several layers. Polyethylene or acrylate polymer film is used on the outside of the boxes, and corrugated cardboard is used in the inner layers. A valve is added to the box for gas inlet. This composite box design is intended for the application of a modified atmosphere packaging technique by injecting the desired gas into the box and / or applying vacuum.

[0016] Detailed Description :

[0017] The packaging system and packaging material production method implemented to achieve the purpose of this invention are shown in the attached figures, and these figures are;

[0018] Figure 1. Perspective view of the packaging system.

[0019] Figure 2. Sectional view of the enlarged pore size of the packaging material.

[0020] The parts in the figures are numbered one by one and the corresponding numbers are given below.

[0021] 1. Packaging system

[0022] The invention is a production method of an environmentally friendly packaging material (1) developed from cellulose and / or other polysaccharide-based materials to be used in the packaging and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially berries (strawberries, mulberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, redcurrants, and others), apricots, peaches, tomatoes, and unprocessed products such as fish and meat in the food industry, and its feature is;

[0023] - Using porous materials based on cellulose and / or other polysaccharides to obtain the package (1),

[0024] - The first layer of the package (1) to be turned into a box is an open-cell foam layer,

[0025] - The open-cell foam material is made of natural fibers obtained from cellulose, other polysaccharides (lignin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, agar, alginate etc.) and their derivatives, allowing gas diffusion, and having a foamy structure where the pores are connected to each other in three dimensions,

[0026] - The density of the open-cell foam material is between 0.3-0.4 g / cc and its porosity is between 70%-80%,

[0027] - The thickness of the layer formed from the open-cell foam material may vary according to different applications and is between 2-8 mm thickness,

[0028] - A second layer is glued onto the layer formed from open-cell foam material,

[0029] - The thickness of the second layer glued onto the layer formed from open-cell foam material is 2-5 mm, its density is 0.7-1 g / cc and its porosity is between 30%-50%, The material of this second layer is also made of cellulose, lignin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, agar, alginate etc., allowing gas diffusion and having a three-dimensional structure where the pores are connected to each other,

[0030] - The adhesive material used to glue the two layers is methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate, agar, chitosan, gluten, starch, or a similar bio-based and biodegradable material,

[0031] - The materials used in the formation of the box-shaped packaging system (1) are adapted to corrugated cardboard technology, molding the cellulose material in pulp form or producing it with different production methods used industrially.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention is a production method of an environmentally friendly packaging material (1) developed from cellulose and / or based materials, to be used in the packaging and transportation of perishable fresh fruits and vegetables, especially products that are easily damaged and spoiled such as berries (strawberries, mulberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, redcurrants, and others), apricots, peaches, tomatoes, and unprocessed products such as fish and meat in the food industry, and its feature is;- Using porous materials based on cellulose and / or other polysaccharides to obtain the package (1),- The first layer of the package (1) to be turned into a box is an open-cell foam layer,- The open-cell foam material is made of natural fibers obtained from cellulose, other polysaccharides (lignin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, agar, alginate etc.) and their derivatives, allowing gas diffusion, and having a foamy structure where the pores are connected to each other in three dimensions,- The density of the open-cell foam material is between 0.3-0.4 g / cc and its porosity is between 70%-80%,- The thickness of the layer formed from the open-cell foam material may vary according to storage requirements of different food products and is between 2-8 mm,- A second layer is glued onto the layer made of open-cell foam material,- The thickness of the second layer glued onto the layer formed from open-cell foam material is 2-5 mm, its density is 0.7-1 g / cc, and its porosity is between 30%-50%,- The adhesive material used to glue the two layers should be methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate, agar, chitosan, gluten, starch, or a similar bio-based and biodegradable material,- The materials used in the formation of the box-shaped packaging system (1) should be adapted to corrugated cardboard technology, molding the cellulose material in pulp form or producing it with different production methods used industrially.

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