Producing a container from a fiber-based material

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a container (1) from a fiber-based material (2), said method having the following steps: forming a container blank (3) from a fiber-based material (2) in a mold (4), the mold (4) defining the outer shape of the container (1) to be produced; connecting a preform (6), preferably a preform made of a biodegradable polymer, to a preformed container part (5) in order to form a unit (9); inserting the unit (9) into the container blank (3); and connecting the container blank (3) to the unit (9) by expanding the preform (6) in the container blank (3). In an alternative embodiment, the method has the following steps: forming a container blank (3) from a fiber-based material (2) in a mold (4), the mold (4) defining the outer shape of the container (1) to be produced; placing a preformed container part (5) on the container blank (3); inserting a preform (6), preferably a preform made of a biodegradable polymer, into the container blank (3); and fixing the preformed container part (5) between the container blank (3) and the preform (6) by expanding the preform (6) in the container blank (3).

Description

[0001] Manufacturing a container from fiber-based material

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container from a fiber-based material, and to a device for manufacturing a container from a fiber-based material.

[0004] Given the necessary shift away from fossil-based packaging materials, particularly plastics, towards sustainable, renewable packaging materials, the use of sustainable natural fibers in the production of containers for the food and beverage industry is of particular interest. This offers easy biodegradability and / or recycling after the containers have been used.

[0005] For example, the wet process is known, in which containers are produced from a mixture of water and fibers, e.g., plant fibers or wood fibers. Such a mixture can also be referred to as fiber slurry or pulp, with water in particular constituting the main component of the mixture. In this process, the water-fiber mixture is placed in a mold and compressed into the desired container shape, while excess water is pressed out of the slurry. After a drying process, the hardened container can be further processed.

[0006] However, manufacturing such containers from fiber pulp presents a challenge when the desired container shape requires complex sections, such as a support ring or a threaded end. These complex sections are subjected to high stresses during subsequent processing, such as transport, filling, labeling, and the like. Therefore, these complex components must exhibit greater robustness. This can be achieved through thicker walls, a more stable fiber pulp composition, or the addition of stabilizers such as biodegradable polymers.Due to their different composition, the complex sections cannot be pressed directly into the mold along with the container in the manufacturing process described above; instead, it is necessary to produce the complex sections in a separate manufacturing process.

[0007] The separate production of the complex sections leads to their subsequent assembly with the container. Conventional methods use an adhesive component to attach the complex section to the container. However, the use of adhesives reduces the biodegradability of the manufactured container and complicates its recycling process. This can disrupt the recycling process. Furthermore, the adhesive components require more energy during recycling. Additionally, the handling and appearance of the containers suffer due to these adhesive joints, as they can leave uneven surfaces.

[0008] Task

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a device that improves the production of containers made from sustainable materials with complex sections. In particular, a further object of the invention is to improve the biodegradability and recyclability of the containers.

[0010] Solution

[0011] This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] For example, an exemplary process described herein for manufacturing a container from fiber-based material may comprise the following steps: forming a container blank from fiber-based material in a mold, wherein the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured, and joining a preform, preferably made of biodegradable polymer, with a preformed container part to form a unit; inserting the unit into the container blank and joining the container blank to the unit by expanding the preform in the container blank.

[0013] The invention further comprises a device for manufacturing a container from fiber-based material, comprising a forming device configured to form a container blank made of fiber-based material in a mold, wherein the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured, a joining device configured to join a preform, preferably made of biodegradable polymer, with a preformed container part to form a unit, a setting device configured to insert the unit into the container blank, and an expanding device configured to expand the preform so that the unit is connected to the container blank.

[0014] By expanding the preform within the container blank, a process known as stretch blow molding, the preform is securely fixed within the blank. Since a complex section, in the form of the pre-molded container part, is firmly bonded to the preform, this complex section is attached to the container blank. The complete container with this complex section is thus created without the need for any adhesive. By eliminating the need for an adhesive, particularly glue, the manufactured container can be sustainably biodegraded and / or fully recycled after its use.

[0015] For example, an exemplary method described herein for manufacturing a container from fiber-based material may alternatively comprise the following steps: forming a container blank from fiber-based material in a mold, wherein the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured, and placing a preformed container part onto the container blank; inserting a preform, preferably made of biodegradable polymer, through the preformed container part into the container blank and fixing the preformed container part between the container blank and the preform by expanding the preform in the container blank.

[0016] The invention further comprises a device for manufacturing a container from fiber-based material, comprising a forming device configured to form a container blank made of fiber-based material in a mold, wherein the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured, a setting device configured to place a preformed container part onto the container blank and to insert a preform, preferably made of biodegradable polymer, through the preformed container part into the container blank, and an expanding device configured to expand the preform so that the preformed container part is fixed between the container blank and the preform.

[0017] The expansion of the preform within the container blank creates a form-fitting seal. Since the preform is inserted into the container blank through the pre-formed container section, the pre-formed container section is firmly fixed between the preform and the container blank without the need for an adhesive. By eliminating the need for an adhesive, the manufactured container can be sustainably biodegraded and / or fully recycled after use.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0019] It can be advantageous to join the preformed container part to the preform in an injection molding process, preferably by molding the preform and the container part in parallel in an injection molding process, or by attaching the preform to the container part in an injection molding process. It can therefore be advantageous if the joining device is an injection molding machine configured to injection mold the preform onto the preformed container part or to injection mold the preform and the preformed container part together simultaneously. The feature of injection molding allows the preformed container part and the preform to be firmly joined. Simultaneous production through the parallel injection molding process accelerates the manufacturing process of the unit consisting of the preformed container part and the preform.The injection molding process enables precise shaping of the pre-formed container part and its complex sections.

[0020] It can be advantageous if the preform is inserted into the container blank through an opening in the preformed container section, pressing the preformed container section firmly and / or positively against the container. Therefore, it can be beneficial if the insertion device is configured to guide the preform through an opening in the preformed container section before it is inserted into the container blank. Because the preform is inserted into the container blank through an opening in the preformed container section, the preformed container section is held firmly between the preform and the container blank by force and positive locking, without the need for an adhesive component.

[0021] It can be helpful if, after the joining step, the preform fixes the pre-formed container part to the container using a standing seam and / or cross ribs. The standing seam or cross ribs create a step that abuts an upper edge of the pre-formed container part when the preform is passed through it. This results in an interference fit between the standing seam and / or cross ribs of the preform and the upper section of the container blank on which the pre-formed container part rests. The pre-formed container part is thus fixed to the container blank by friction, without the need for an adhesive component.

[0022] It can be advantageous if the pre-formed container part is an opening section of the container and is connected to the container blank at a head section. This allows a robust and complexly shaped container part to be attached to the head of the container, which then serves as a sturdy holding section for a transport device such as a gripper in downstream processing steps such as transport, filling, and labeling.

[0023] It can be advantageous if the expansion of the preform is achieved by inflating it. Therefore, it can be beneficial if the expansion device is an inflation device configured to inflate the preform inserted into the container blank. This allows the preform to be expanded quickly and with minimal effort, conforming to the inner wall of the container blank through plastic deformation.

[0024] It can be helpful if the pre-formed container part has a thread or a container closure, preferably made of fiber-based or cellulose material. This allows the container to be closed with a threaded lid or similar. Using fiber-based material for the pre-formed container part does not restrict the biodegradability of the container. Using cellulose material can increase the stability and resistance of the pre-formed container part.

[0025] It can prove beneficial if the expanded preform forms an inner coating of the container. This inner coating, created by the expanded preform, provides a sufficient oxygen and water vapor barrier between the inside and outside of the container and offers additional stability.

[0026] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from combinations of the features disclosed in the description, claims and figures.

[0027] The following figures serve only to illustrate some technical aspects of the process steps and apparatus described above.

[0028] Fig. 1a: Sectional view of a process step of forming a container blank in a mold according to a first embodiment

[0029] Fig. 1b: Sectional view of a process step of inserting a unit consisting of a preform and a pre-formed container part into the container blank according to the first embodiment

[0030] Fig. 1c: Sectional view of a process step of expanding the preform and joining the container blank to the preform according to the first embodiment

[0031] Fig. 2a: Exploded view of the preform and the preformed container part

[0032] Fig. 2b: Sectional view of a unit consisting of the preform and the preformed container part

[0033] Fig. 2c: Sectional view of the unit consisting of the expanded preform and the preformed container part

[0034] Fig. 3a: Sectional view of a process step of forming a container blank in a mold according to a second embodiment. Fig. 3b: Sectional view of a process step of inserting a unit consisting of a preform and a preformed container part into the container blank according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 3c: Sectional view of a process step of expanding the preform and joining the container blank to the preform according to the second embodiment

[0036] Fig. 4a: Sectional view of a process step of forming a container blank in a mold according to a third embodiment

[0037] Fig. 4b: Sectional view of a process step of inserting a unit consisting of a preform and a pre-formed container part into the container blank according to the third embodiment

[0038] Fig. 4c: Sectional view of a process step of expanding the preform and joining the container blank to the preform according to the third embodiment

[0039] Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show, by way of example, the process steps for manufacturing a container 1 from a container blank 3, a preform 6 and a preformed container part 5. According to a first embodiment.

[0040] Container 1 can refer to, for example, a bottle. However, the term "container 1" can also encompass general packaging used in the food and beverage industry.

[0041] Fig. 1a shows the manufactured container blank 3 in mold 4 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1a thus shows the result of a process step of applying flowable fiber-based material 2. In the process, an apparatus exemplarily has a mold 4, which can be multi-part, the inner surface of which defines the outer shape of a container blank 3 to be produced. Fig. 1a shows a sectional view of one half of the mold 4. A first step of the process is the application of flowable, sustainable material 2, i.e., pulp, to the inner surface of the mold 4. The material 2 is applied to the inner surface of the mold 4 to form a container blank 3.

[0042] The flowable fiber-based material 2 is a water-containing suspension, e.g., a pulp, comprising a mixture of fibers and / or flakes and / or particles. The flowable fiber-based material 2 can, in particular, be understood to be renewable and / or recycled natural materials of plant origin, e.g., pulp-containing or cellulose-containing materials, such as natural fibers like plant fibers or wood fibers. However, it is also conceivable that said flowable material 2 may also contain proportions of non-sustainable materials, e.g., synthetic fibers or metallic fibers. An exemplary device for forming the container blank 3 includes a feed line. This is used to supply the material 2 to the inner surface of the mold 4 and / or to selectively supply pressurized liquid against the sustainable material 2 applied to the inner surface of the mold 4.When applying flowable sustainable material 2, the multi-part mold 4 is closed except for an opening for the supply line. The sustainable material 2 is deposited on the inner surface of the mold 4.

[0043] After the flowable material 2 or pulp is applied to the inner surface of the mold 4, the material 2 is compressed by pressurizing it with a liquid, a gas, or a device such as a balloon that is expanded within the mold 4. Compression can be understood to mean, among other things, pressing and / or squeezing together, in particular, for example, pressing or squeezing together the material 2 applied to the inner surface of the mold 4. The retention provided by the mold 4 can be used to press the container blank 3.

[0044] Figure 1a shows the mold 4 in an exemplary orientation that allows the container blank 3 to be produced in an upright position, with the flowable, sustainable material 2 being introduced into the mold 4 under the influence of gravity. However, it is also conceivable that the device 1 can be operated in an upside-down orientation. This can enable the collection of excess liquid by gravity. After demolding, the container blank 3 remains in the mold 4, and a preform 6 is inserted into the container blank 3 and expanded. Such a manufacturing process is described below in Figures 1b and 1c. It is also common, however, for the container blank 3 to be produced in advance in a separate mold in order to be subsequently inserted into the mold 4 for the manufacturing steps described below.

[0045] Fig. 1b shows the exemplary mold 4 with the dried container blank 3 and a unit 9 inserted therein, consisting of the preform 6 and the preformed container part 5. The container blank may still contain residual moisture. This residual moisture can also be removed in the mold 4 by the pressing force of the preform and / or by vacuum sealing a heated porous wall in the mold 4. A preform 6 is defined as an intermediate product suitable for expansion in the container 1. The preform 6 has a cup-shaped main body 6b that is open on one side. At the open side, the preform 6 has a shoulder 6a in the form of a section with an increased diameter. The preformed container part 5 can be produced by injection molding or fiber injection molding and can be made of fiber-based material. The preform 6 preferably consists of a sustainable material, such as a biodegradable polymer.The preform 6 can also consist of conventional inorganic materials and plastics. As described later in Fig. 1c, the preform 6 is expanded, in particular blown in, as an inner coating 6c in the container 1 and thus applied to the inner surface of the container 1.

[0046] Fig. 1b shows the preform 6 initially in an unexpanded state. The preform 6 is connected to a preformed container part 5 to form the unit 9. The manufacturing and joining process of the unit 9 will be described later with reference to Figs. 2a and 2b. The unit 9, consisting of the unexpanded preform 6 and the preformed container part 5 connected to it, is placed onto the container blank 3, with the main preform body 6b being guided through an opening 7 in the container blank 3 to enter the interior of the container blank 3.

[0047] The shoulder 6a rests on an upper edge of the opening 7 of the container blank 3. Above the shoulder 6a of the preform 6, the preformed container part 5, in the form of an opening section of the container 1 with thread 8, is arranged. The preformed container part 5 has an opening 5a. The preformed container part 5 can also be a container closure. The preformed container part 5 preferably consists of fiber-based material 2 or cellulose material.

[0048] The unit 9, consisting of the preform 6 with its unexpanded preform main body 6b and the preformed container section 5, is inserted into the container blank 3 up to the shoulder 6a. In this state, the preform main body 6b is expanded by an expanding device, such as a blow molding machine (not shown). During the expansion step, the mold 4 provides an external counterforce to the container blank 3, so that the container blank 3 is pressed against the mold 4 and is not deformed when the preform main body 6b expands. The preform main body 6b thus expands plastically until it rests against the inside of the container blank 3 and forms an internal coating 6c.

[0049] Fig. 1c shows the preform 6 in an expanded state. The main preform body 6b is plastically deformed and expanded so that it conforms to the inside of the container blank 3. Expanding the preform 6 can be achieved, for example, by inflating it. The inner coating 6c formed by the expanded main preform body 6b provides a sufficient oxygen and / or water vapor barrier between the inside and outside of the container 1 and offers additional stability to the container 1. Due to the plastic deformation of the preform 6 within the container blank 3, the shoulder 6a of the preform 6 is drawn to the upper edge of the opening 7 of the container blank 3. Thus, a force-fit connection is formed between the unit 9 and the container blank 3. The preformed container part 5 can therefore be fixed to the head section 3a of the container blank 3 by means of the expanded preform 6 by means of a positive fit of the preform 6, without the need for an adhesive component orAn adhesive is required. Paragraph 6a can function as a support ring 10 in the manufactured container 1, which serves as a holding section for transport devices when the container 1 is used. The support ring 10 is optional.

[0050] Container 1 is finished after the expansion step and can be removed from mold 4. For this purpose, the several mold parts of mold 4 can be separated or opened. In addition, the mold parts of mold 4 can have a pneumatic mechanism to release container 1 using compressed air. This facilitates the removal of container 1 from mold 4.

[0051] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c show, by way of example, unit 9 consisting of preform 6 and preformed container part 5. Figure 2a shows the preform 6 separated from the preformed container part 5. The preform 6 and the preformed container part 5 are manufactured using an injection molding process. The preform 6 can be injected onto an already manufactured container part 5 to form unit 9. However, it is also conceivable that the preform 6 and the container part 5 are molded in parallel using an injection molding process. This accelerates the manufacturing process of unit 9. It is also conceivable that the preform 6 and the preformed container part 5 are joined together using an joining process.

[0052] Fig. 2b shows the connected unit 9 consisting of preform 6 and preformed container part 5. It is shown that the shoulder 6a has a larger diameter than the preform main body 6b and the outer diameter of the thread 8. Fig. 2c shows the connected unit 9 consisting of preform 6 and preformed container part 5, with the preform main body 6b expanded. The preform main body 6b shown in Fig. 2c is depicted in the expanded state as it is arranged inside the container blank 3 (not shown). The outer contour of the preform main body 6b, i.e., the inner coating 6c of the container 1 to be produced, is defined by the inner contours of the container blank 3.

[0053] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate the process steps for manufacturing a container 1 from a container blank 3, a preform 6, and a pre-formed container part 5 according to a second embodiment. Figure 3a shows the manufactured container blank 3 in shape 4 according to the second embodiment. The basic concept of manufacturing the container 1 corresponds to that of the first embodiment, therefore a description of identical parts is omitted. Differences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0054] The outer contour of the container blank 3 differs from the first embodiment at its head section 3a. As shown in Fig. 3a, the mold 4 is shaped such that a support ring 10 is already formed onto the container blank 3 during the forming step. Furthermore, the preformed container part 5 consists only of an opening section of the container 1 with a thread 8. The support ring 10 does not necessarily have to be formed onto the container blank 3 and can be added separately.

[0055] Fig. 3b also shows that the composition of preform 6, preformed container part 5, and container blank 3 differs from the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, after the container blank 3 has been demolded, the preformed container part 5 is placed onto the container blank 3. The opening 7 of the container blank 3 and an opening 5a of the preformed container part 5 are concentrically aligned. The openings 5a and 7 preferably have the same diameter.

[0056] The preform 6 of the second embodiment consists of the preform main body 6b with a standing seam 6d at its upper end. In its unexpanded state, the preform main body 6b has a smaller outer diameter than the openings 5a and 7 of the preformed container part 5 and the container blank 3, respectively. The standing seam 6d has a larger diameter than the openings 5a and 7 of the preformed container part 5 and the container blank 3, respectively. However, the standing seam 6d has a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the thread 8.

[0057] The preform 6 of the second embodiment is inserted into the container blank 3 through the openings 5a and 7 of the preformed container part 5 or the container blank 3, respectively, until the standing seam 6d abuts the upper edge of the preformed container part 5, as shown in Fig. 3b. In this state, the preform main body 6b is expanded by an expansion device (not shown). As in the first embodiment, the mold 4 provides an external counterforce to the container blank 3, so that the container blank 3 is pressed against the mold 4 and is not deformed when the preform main body 6b is expanded. Thus, the preform main body 6b expands plastically until it rests against the inside of the container blank 3 and forms an internal coating 6c there.

[0058] Fig. 3c shows the preform 6 in an expanded state. The main preform body 6b is plastically deformed and expanded so that it fits against the inside of the container blank 3. Due to the plastic deformation of the preform 6 within the container blank 3, the standing seam 6d of the preform 6 is drawn against the upper edge of the opening 5a of the preformed container part 5. This creates a frictional connection between the container blank 3 and the preformed container part 5. The preformed container part 5 can therefore be fixed to a head section 3a of the container blank 3 by means of the expanded preform 6 via a frictional connection, without the need for an adhesive or bonding agent.

[0059] Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c show by way of example the process steps for the manufacture of a container 1 from a container blank 3, a preform 6 and a preformed container part 5 according to a third embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 4a shows the manufactured container blank 3 in shape 4 according to the third embodiment. The basic idea for manufacturing the container 1 corresponds to that of the second embodiment, therefore a description of identical parts is omitted. Differences from the second embodiment are described below.

[0061] The shape of the preformed container part 5 differs from the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4a, the preformed container part 5 has one or more grooves 5b on its upper side.

[0062] Fig. 4b also shows that the shape of the preform 6 differs from the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the preform 6 has at least one transverse web 6e instead of the standing seam 6d. The number of transverse webs 6e of the preform 6 corresponds to the number of grooves 5b in the preformed container part 5. The transverse webs 6e are shaped such that they project radially opposite each other beyond the outer contour of the preform 6. It is also possible for the transverse webs 6e to pass through the cross-section of an opening in the preform 6. In this case, predetermined breaking points can be used to allow the central webs of the transverse webs 6e to be removed from the preform 6 after the manufacturing process. The preform 6 of the third embodiment is inserted into the container blank 3 through the openings 5a and 7 of the preformed container part 5 and the container blank 3 until the cross webs 6e are fitted into the grooves 5b of the preformed container part 5, as shown in Fig. 4b.In this state, the preform main body 6b is expanded by an expansion device (not shown). As in the second embodiment, the mold 4 provides an external counterforce to the container blank 3, so that the container blank 3 is pressed against the mold 4 and is not deformed when the preform main body 6b is expanded. Thus, the preform main body 6b expands plastically until it rests against the inside of the container blank 3 and forms an internal coating 6c there.

[0063] Fig. 4c shows the preform 6 in an expanded state. The main preform body 6b is plastically deformed and expanded so that it fits against the inside of the container blank 3. Due to the plastic deformation of the preform 6 within the container blank 3, the transverse webs 6e are drawn into the grooves 5b of the preformed container part 5. This creates a force-fit and form-fit connection between the container blank 3 and the preformed container part 5. The preformed container part 5 can therefore be fixed to a head section 3a of the container blank 3 using the expanded preform 6, without the need for an adhesive or bonding agent.

[0064] Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the accompanying claims are not to be limited in this way, but are to be interpreted as embodying all modifications and alternative designs that a person skilled in the art could reasonably conceive and which fall within the scope of protection of the claims. In addition, the features of different implementation embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

[0065] For example, it is conceivable that a combination of a standing seam 6d and cross ribs 6e is used, with which the preform 6 pulls the pre-formed container part 5 towards the container blank 3. This leads to increased stability of the form and force fit.

[0066] It is also conceivable that the container blank 3 could be manufactured using a dry process. In this process, the preformed container part 5 is placed onto dry fluff pulp shells representing the container blank 3 and then connected to the container blank 3 by the blown-in preform 6. It is also conceivable that the preformed container part 5 includes the support ring. This eliminates the need to form it from fiber-containing material 2 in mold 4. Furthermore, it is conceivable that additional container components, such as an external support ring, are fixed between the preformed container part 5 and the container blank 3 by passing the preform 6 through all components and then expanding it. This allows a stable support ring made of robust material to be molded onto the container 1 without requiring it to be formed from fiber-containing material 2 in mold 4.

[0067] The reference symbols are exemplified as follows.

[0068] 1 Device for the manufacture of containers

[0069] 2 fiber-based material

[0070] 3 Container blanks

[0071] 3a Head section

[0072] 4 Form

[0073] 5 pre-formed container part

[0074] 5a Opening of the pre-formed container part

[0075] 5b Nut

[0076] 6 Preform

[0077] 6a paragraph, support ring

[0078] 6b Preform main body

[0079] 6c Interior coating

[0080] 6d Standing seam

[0081] 6e Crossbars

[0082] 7 Opening

[0083] 8 threads

[0084] 9 Unit consisting of preform and preformed container part

[0085] 10 Support ring

Claims

Claims 1. Method for manufacturing a container (1) from fiber-based material (2) comprising the following steps: Forming a container blank (3) made of fiber-based material (2) in a mold (4), wherein the mold (4) defines the outer shape of the container (1) to be produced, characterized by Joining a preform (6), preferably made of biodegradable polymer, with a preformed container part (5) to form a unit (9); Inserting the unit (9) into the container blank (3) and connecting the container blank (3) with the unit (9) by widening the preform (6) in the container blank (3).

2. Method according to the previous claim, characterized in that the preformed container part (5) is joined to the preform (6) to form the unit (9) in an injection molding process, preferably by forming the preform (6) and the container part (5) in parallel in an injection molding process or by attaching the preform (6) to the container part (5) in an injection molding process.

3. Method for manufacturing a container (1) from fiber-based material (2) comprising the following steps: Molding of a container blank (3) made of fiber-based material (2) in a mold (4), wherein the shape (4) defines the external shape of the container (1) to be manufactured, characterized by Placing a preformed container part (5) onto the container blank (3); Inserting a preform (6), preferably made of biodegradable polymer, through the preformed container part (5) and into the container blank (3) and fixing the preformed container part (5) between the container blank (3) and the preform (6) by expanding the preform (6) in the container blank (3).

4. Method according to the previous claim, characterized in that the preform (6) is inserted into the container blank (3) through an opening (7) of the preformed container part (5). is and presses the preformed container part (5) against the container (1) by force and / or form locking.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the preform (6) fixes the preformed container part (5) to the container (1) by means of a standing seam (6d) and / or transverse webs (6e) after the joining step.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preformed container part (5) is an opening section of the container (1) and is connected to the container blank (3) at a head section (3a) of the container blank (3).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expansion of the preform (6) is achieved by inflating the preform (6).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preformed container part (5) is a thread (8) or a container closure and is preferably made of fiber-based material (2) or cellulose material (2).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the expanded preform (6) forms an inner coating (6c) of the container (1).

10. Device (1) for producing a container (1) from fiber-based material (2), comprising: a forming device configured to form a container blank (3) from fiber-based material (2) in a mold (4), wherein the mold (4) defines the external shape of the container (1) to be produced, characterized by a joining device configured to join a preform (6), preferably made of biodegradable polymer, with a preformed container part (5) to form a unit (9); a setting device configured to insert the unit (9) into the container blank (3); an expanding device configured to expand the preform (6) so that the unit (9) is joined to the container blank (3).

11. Device (1) according to the preceding device claim, characterized in that the connecting device is an injection molding device configured to injection mold the preform (6) onto the preformed container part (5) or to injection mold the preform (6) and the preformed container part (5) together simultaneously.

12. Device (1) for producing a container (1) from fiber-based material (2), comprising: a forming device configured to form a container blank (3) from fiber-based material (2) in a mold (4), wherein the mold (4) defines the outer shape of the container (1) to be produced, characterized by a setting device configured to place a preformed container part (5) onto the container blank (3) and to insert a preform (6), preferably made of biodegradable polymer, into the container blank (3); an expanding device configured to expand the preform (6) so that the preformed container part (5) is fixed between the container blank (3) and the preform (6).

13. Device (1) according to the preceding device claim, characterized in that the setting device is configured to pass the preform (6) through an opening section of the preformed container part (5) before the preform (6) is inserted into the container blank (3).

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the expansion device is an inflation device configured to inflate the preform (6) inserted into the container blank (3).

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