Production and handling of a container made of fibre-based material

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for producing and handling a container (6) made of fibre-based material (2), comprising: a multi-part mould (4), wherein the mould (4) defines the outer shape of the container (6) to be produced; a supply line (7) for supplying a suspension of fibre-containing material (2) and a pressurized liquid into the mould (4) in order to form the container (6), wherein the device (1) is configured to detachably attach a transport adapter (5) to the container (6) during the forming of the container (6). A production method according to the invention comprises the steps of applying a suspension of fibre-containing material (2) into a multi-part mould (4) in order to form a container (6), wherein the multi-part mould (4) defines the outer shape of the container (6) to be produced; opening the multi-part mould (4); and fastening a transport adapter (5) to the container (6) during the forming of the container (6), wherein the transport adapter (5) is detachably fastened to the container (6).

Description

[0001] Manufacturing and handling of a container made of fiber-based material

[0002] State of the art

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

[0004] Against the backdrop of the necessary shift away from fossil-based packaging materials, which are based on petroleum products, especially plastics, towards sustainable, renewable packaging materials, the processing of sustainable natural fibers in the manufacture of containers in the food and beverage industry is of particular interest.

[0005] For example, it is known to produce containers 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 making up the main component of the mixture.

[0006] A disadvantage of manufacturing such containers from fiber slurry or pulp is that the robustness of the resulting container is lower compared to conventionally manufactured containers, for example, those made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Repeated handling of the manufactured containers in downstream processing steps, such as transport or drying, can deform or even damage the less robust fiber slurry container, rendering it unusable.

[0007] In addition, sufficient solidification of the container is required for any subsequent processing steps, such as filling, sealing, or labeling. Before the container is fully solidified, it cannot be handled without risking deformation or damage. However, if the container remains in the mold to dry until excess moisture has evaporated and it can be transported in a stable form, the manufacturing process becomes very time-consuming. Additional, complex drying processes using a pressurized, warm or hot gaseous medium further increase the time required and make the container manufacturing process more complex.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore, among other things, to provide a device and a method that improve the production and handling of containers made from sustainable materials. Additionally, the invention aims to make the production of containers made from sustainable materials more efficient and to shorten the process times for manufacturing dimensionally stable containers made from sustainable materials.

[0009] Solution

[0010] This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] For example, an exemplary apparatus described herein for the manufacture and handling of a food and beverage industry container made of fiber-based material may comprise: a multi-part mold, wherein the mold defines the outer shape of the container to be manufactured; a supply line for supplying a suspension of fibrous material and a pressurized liquid into the mold for forming the container; and the apparatus being configured to detachably attach a transport adapter to the container during the forming process.

[0012] For example, an exemplary process described herein for the manufacture and handling of a food and beverage industry container made of fiber-based material may include the following steps: applying a suspension of fibrous material into a multi-part mold to form a container, the multi-part mold defining the outer shape of the container to be manufactured; opening the multi-part mold; and attaching a transport adapter to the container during the forming of the container, the transport adapter being detachably attached to the container.

[0013] By attaching the transport adapter to the container, the container can be transferred to a downstream processing stage while held in the adapter, eliminating the need for manual handling and re-handling. This reduces stress on the container during manufacturing and prevents deformation. Furthermore, the container does not need to be fully solidified before onward transport. The drying process can therefore be shifted to subsequent process steps, while the container remains securely held in place by the transport adapter. Eliminating the need for manual transfer and complete drying reduces transfer times during container manufacturing and increases the efficiency and reliability of the production process.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. It can be advantageous if the transport adapter is made of stainless steel, silicone, or plastic and is configured to hold the container by means of a positive or frictional connection, preferably at recesses in the container, and to transport it out of the device. This results in a stable transport adapter that reliably holds the container and can be gripped by a transport device. If the transport adapter can be moved out of the device, the transfer of the container can be standardized. This reduces the susceptibility to errors and also increases the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Recesses in the container allow the transport adapter to hold the container by means of a positive connection without having to grip the container. This reduces the space required for the transport adapter and excessive forces on the container.

[0015] It can be advantageous if the transport adapter has a holding device that allows the adapter, along with the container, to be removed from the device. Depending on the container's structure and shape, the transport adapter can be selected to optimize both stable transport and handling. The holding device ensures consistent handling of the transport adapter both within the device and in any downstream equipment, thus guaranteeing reliable transport and transfer of the container.

[0016] It can be helpful if the transport adapter is a ring-shaped section arranged in the multi-part design so that it remains attached to the top section of the container. This allows the ring section to hold the usually round top section of the container in place. The top section of the container is typically very stable. Therefore, holding the top section with the transport adapter can ensure stable and reliable transport of the container.

[0017] It can be advantageous if the transport adapter consists of at least two parts connected by a locking mechanism, in particular a positive fit, a pin connection, hinges, springs, and / or magnets. This allows for easy release of the container by opening the multi-part transport adapter. The locking mechanism of the transport adapter, in the form of a pin connection, hinges, springs, and / or magnets, ensures the container is held securely, and the release time of the transport adapter can be actively controlled. Simultaneously, the container can be reliably held in the closed position.

[0018] It can prove useful if the transport adapter, in the form of a ring section, has adhesive structures, a shoulder, a groove, a chamfer, a rounded chamfer, and / or a thread on its inner surface, each configured to allow fiber-based material to adhere to it. Thus, the shape of the transport adapter, during the application of the fiber-containing suspension, can create a structure on the container that can achieve a form-fit and / or force-fit connection. Additionally, structures can be applied to the container that are beneficial in its subsequent use. For example, a support ring or a thread can be molded onto the container.

[0019] It can be helpful if the transport adapter is a block section, preferably with a rectangular or circular base, arranged in the multi-part mold in such a way that it remains attached to a bottom section of the container. The bottom section can be shaped to match the container's bottom contour, forming a negative mold of the container's outer contour. The container is held by its underside, and the outer surface and top section remain accessible for subsequent machining operations while the container is held in the transport adapter. Furthermore, the appearance of the container's outer contours is less affected, as only the bottom surface of the container requires recesses for the transport adapter.

[0020] It can be advantageous if the transport adapter has adhesive structures, a shoulder, a chamfer, a rounded chamfer, or a conical or trough shape on its outer surface. Thus, the shape of the transport adapter can create a structure on the container during the application of the fibrous suspension, resulting in a form-fit and / or force-fit connection. Additionally, the transport adapter can create structures on the container that are beneficial in the subsequent use of the manufactured container.

[0021] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from combinations of the features disclosed in the description, claims and figures.

[0022] The following figures serve only to illustrate some technical aspects of the process steps and device(s) described above.

[0023] Fig. 1a: Exemplary process step of applying flowable fiber-based material in a device according to a first embodiment

[0024] Fig. 11b: Exemplary process step of compressing the material in a device according to the first embodiment

[0025] Fig. 2: Exemplary process sequence for manufacturing the container in a device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3a: Exemplary sectional views of shapes of the transport adapter according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 3b: Exemplary sectional top view of a embodiment of the transport adapter according to the first embodiment

[0027] Fig. 4: Exemplary process sequence for manufacturing the container in a device according to a second embodiment

[0028] Fig. 5a: Exemplary sectional views of shapes of the transport adapter according to the second embodiment

[0029] Fig.Sb: Exemplary sectional top views of two embodiments of the transport adapter according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figures 1a and 1a show by way of example a device 1 and the method for manufacturing and handling a container made of fiber-based material according to the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 1a shows a process step of applying flowable fiber-based material in a device 1 according to a first embodiment. The device 1 has, by way of example, a multi-part, e.g., two-part, mold 4, the inner surface 3 of which defines the outer shape of a container 6 to be produced. A first step of the process is the application of flowable fiber-based material 2, i.e., pulp, to the inner surface 3 of the multi-part mold 4. The material 2 is applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 to form a container 6. The arrows inside the container 6 represent, by way of example, the direction of flow of the material 2 being applied.

[0032] 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. Flowable fiber-based material 2 can, in particular, include renewable and / or recycled natural materials of plant origin, e.g., cellulose-containing materials, such as natural fibers like plant fibers or wood fibers. Flowable fiber-based material 2 can, for example, include cellulose derived from annual plants such as cotton, hemp, flax, jute, sisal, kenef, abaca, or esparto, and / or include cellulose derived from deciduous or coniferous trees, and / or include cellulose derived from perennial plants such as bamboo, bagasse, or cup plant. Flowable fiber-based material 2 can also include cellulose fibers from recycled material.However, it is also conceivable that the aforementioned flowable material 2 may contain proportions of non-sustainable materials, such as synthetic or metallic fibers. Furthermore, the flowable fiber-based material 2 may include additives of an organic or inorganic nature. The term "container 6" can refer specifically to a bottle. However, the term "container 6" can also encompass general packaging used in the food and beverage industry.

[0033] The device 1 includes, by way of example, a supply line 7. This is used either to supply the material 2 to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 and / or to selectively supply pressurized liquid against the fiber-based material 2 applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. When applying flowable fiber-based material 2, the multi-part mold 4 is closed except for an opening for the supply line 7. The several parts of the mold 4 have a flush, closed inner surface 3.

[0034] The multi-part mold 4 is designed such that the inner surface 3 is formed by a sieve section 8. The sieve section 8 determines the outer shape of the container 6 to be produced. After the flowable material 2 or the pulp is applied to the inner surface 3 of the sieve section 8, its retention of the pulp allows the container 6 to be formed. This retention can be used to press and shape the container 6 and to smooth the container surface.

[0035] A channel system 9 is arranged between the screen section 8 and the multi-part mold 4. The screen section 8 is configured to be impermeable to the flowable fiber-based material 2, but permeable to the water in the suspension. During the compression step, excess water forced through the screen section 8 is discharged from the mold 4 via the channel system 9.

[0036] The term compression can be understood to mean, among other things, pressing and / or squeezing together, in particular pressing or squeezing together the material 2 applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. Compressed air or another pressurized gas can be used for pressing and / or squeezing.

[0037] The multi-part mold 4 is designed such that a transport adapter 5 is arranged within the mold 4 and forms part of the inner surface 3 for the container 6. In the first embodiment, the transport adapter 5 is arranged at a head section of the container 6, i.e., around the opening of the mold 4. The transport adapter 5 is annular, and the supply line 7 introduces the material 2 through the transport adapter 5 into the mold 4.

[0038] Figures 1a and 1b show the device 1 in an exemplary orientation that allows containers 6 to be produced in an upside-down orientation, with the flowable fiber-based material 2 being introduced into the mold 4 against the direction of gravity. This can facilitate the collection of excess liquid. However, it is also conceivable that the device 1 can be operated in other orientations, in particular in an orientation in which the flowable fiber-based material 2 can be introduced into the mold 4 along the direction of gravity.

[0039] Reference numeral 13 indicates optional collection means, e.g. collection tank or collection screen, for collecting excess liquid and / or excess material 2, wherein, e.g. via a return line (not shown), excess liquid collected can be returned for reuse, e.g. for dissolving fibrous material when creating a suspension or the flowable fiber-based material 2.

[0040] The forming of the container 6 from fibrous material 2 can also include the forming of a preform made of fiber-based material, wherein a liquid and / or gas (such as compressed air), possibly under pressure, is introduced into the preform made of fiber-based material 2, e.g., a pulp preform, via a preform opening, causing the preform to expand and be pressed against the inner surface 3 of the mold 4, thus compressing the preform wall to form the container 6 to be produced. The pressurized gas (such as compressed air) can be used for dewatering or drying.

[0041] Fig. 1b shows the device 1 in an operating state in which the material 2 applied to the multi-part mold 4 for forming the container 6 has already partially dried and forms the container 6. Fig. 1b thus shows by way of example the container 6 formed by the compression of the fiber-based material 2 and by the pressurized gas.

[0042] The compression of the material 2 applied to the inner surface 3 of the mold 4 by the flow of pressurized gas can be carried out by gas at a pressure of 0.1 to 20.0 bar or higher. The pressurized gas can be compressed air or a gas mixture.

[0043] It is also conceivable that the container 6 is formed using an inflatable medium, such as an inflatable balloon. In this case, the outer skin of the inflated medium presses the material 2 against the inner surface 3 of the mold 4. The inflated medium can be used as an inner lining if required and remain in the container 6.

[0044] Fig. 1b shows how the container 6 is formed at the opening of the mold 4 by the transport adapter 5.

[0045] The fiber-based material 2 adheres to the transport adapter 5 in such a way that the container 6 is held by the transport adapter 5 in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner. The container has a recess 6a in the form of a step, at which the outer diameter of the container 6 is slightly reduced and fits into the transport adapter 5.

[0046] A sequence of the individual states of the mold 4 and the container 6 during the manufacturing process is shown in Fig. 2.

[0047] Initially, the transport adapter 5 is inserted into the opened mold 4. The transport adapter 5 is made of stainless steel, silicone, or plastic and can therefore be reused in the manufacturing process.

[0048] Then the mold 4 is closed and the mold 4 or the sieve 8 of the mold 4 together with the transport adapter 5 forms the inner surface 3, which determines the outer shape of the container 6 to be produced.

[0049] In the third image of Fig. 2, the container 6 is formed in the still closed mold 4. The container 6 may be partially or completely hardened.

[0050] The mold 4 is then opened (not shown). Release mechanisms, such as a compressed air device located in the mold 4, can be used to ensure that the mold components release the container 6. The transport adapter 5 is designed such that the container 6 remains in the transport adapter 5 when the mold 4 is opened. The container 6 is therefore held only by the transport adapter 5. The transport adapter 5 has a retaining section 10, which is described in more detail in Fig. 3b. In its released state, the transport adapter 5 can be moved out of the device by means of the retaining section 10. The transport adapter 5, with the container 6 still in place, is transported by a transport device (not shown), such as an arm robot or a rotary conveyor, to a downstream processing station.The orientation of the container 6 can be changed by rotation and the holding device 11.

[0051] The container 6 can be removed from the transport adapter 5 in one of the downstream processing steps and fed into further subsequent processing stations within the transport adapter 6 for applying coatings, labeling, or filling with a product, or it can remain in the transport adapter 6 for these purposes. The container 6 can be transferred to a transport device. To remove the container 6 from the transport adapter 5, a transport device equipped with suction cups, for example, can be used to pick up the container 6. In the last state shown in Fig. 2, the transport adapter 5 is detached from the container 6. This is done, for example, by a pull-off mechanism in a transport device (not shown). The transport adapter 5 can be removed in the state shown in the first image in Fig.The opened form 4 shown in 2 can be provided again and used for a further manufacturing process and transport of a container 6.

[0052] Fig. 3a shows sectional views of exemplary embodiments of the transport adapter 5 according to the first embodiment. The transport adapter 5 has the shape of an annular section 51. On its inner surface, the annular section 51 can have adhesive structures 51a, a shoulder 51b, a groove 51c, a chamfer 51d, a rounded chamfer 51e, and / or a thread 51f. Such an annular section 51, which is inserted into the mold 4, is used to apply an outer structure to the container 6 during the molding process in the device 1. The inner structure of the annular section 51, together with the mold 4, forms the inner surface 3 of the mold 4, and thus the applied material 2 is placed directly onto the inner structure of the annular section 51. In this way, a high roughness can be formed on the neck of the container 6 by means of adhesive structures 51a. The shoulder 51b and the groove 51c form a support ring on the neck of the container 6.The square chamfer 51d and the rounded chamfer 51e form a spout on the container 6. An external thread, for example for a lid, can be formed onto the container 6 via the thread 51f inside the ring section 51. The ring sections 51 have identical external dimensions and are designed so that they can be interchangeably installed in the mold 4.

[0053] Fig. 3b shows an exemplary sectional view of a embodiment of the transport adapter 5 according to the first embodiment. The transport adapter 5 has the shape of a ring section 51. The ring section 51 consists of two parts connected to each other by a connection mechanism 11 (simplified). The connection mechanism 11 consists of a connection between the two parts of the transport adapter 5, which are joined by positive locking, a pin connection, hinges, springs, and / or magnets. The connection mechanism 11 allows the transport adapter 5 to be easily opened when it needs to be detached from the container 6. The connection mechanism 11 is designed such that the container 6 is exposed and can be moved out of the transport adapter 5.

[0054] The opening process of the connecting mechanism 11 can be transverse, but is not limited to a transverse movement. The opening process can be carried out by a rotational or folding movement, or the like. It is also conceivable that the connecting mechanism 11 of the transport adapter 5 can be opened wirelessly via a control unit. Thus, no operator is required to detach the transport adapter 5 from the container 6. A retaining section 10 is arranged on both parts of the transport adapter 5. The retaining section 10 is simplified here as two pins that project radially outwards from the transport adapter 5. The transport adapter 5 is moved, for example, by a transfer device (not shown) that engages with the retaining section 10. The transfer device can grasp the transport adapter 5, which carries the container 6, by the retaining sections 10 and transport it.The holding mechanism 10 can also be a recess, eyelet, through holes or the like, on which the transport adapter 5 can be held.

[0055] The transport adapter 5 is shown as ring section 51 in Figures 2, 3a, and 3b. However, the transport adapter 5 can also be the size of, in particular half of, the container 6. Thus, the transport adapter 5 can provide a large contact surface for the container 6 during its further transport. This allows the container 6 to be transported reliably and gently even early after production and at a low degree of curing, since the transport adapter 5 provides sufficient stability for the container 6. This further reduces production time, as the drying time does not need to be fully completed before the container 6 is transported.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary process sequence for manufacturing the container 6 in a device 1 according to a second embodiment. The basic structure of the device 1 corresponds to that of the first embodiment, therefore a description of identical parts is omitted. In contrast to the first embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a transport adapter 5 in the form of a block section 52, which is arranged in the multi-part mold 4 such that it remains attached to a bottom section of the container 6. As in the first embodiment, the transport adapter 5 in the form of the block section 52 forms part of the inner surface 3 of the mold 4.

[0057] Fig. 5a shows sectional views of exemplary embodiments of the transport adapter 5 according to the second embodiment. The transport adapter 5 has the shape of a block section 52. On its upper surface, the block section 52 can have adhesive structures 52a, a shoulder 52b, a chamfer 52c, a rounded chamfer 52d, and can have a conical shape 52e or a trough shape 52f. Such a block section 52, which is inserted into the mold 4, is used to apply an external structure to the container 6 during the molding process in the device 1. The surface of the block section 52 forms the inner surface 3 of the mold 4, and thus the applied material 2 is deposited directly onto the surface of the block section 52. In this way, a high degree of roughness can be formed on the bottom of the container 6 by means of adhesive structures 52a. The shoulder 52b forms a shoulder in the bottom of the container 6. The square chamfer 52c and the rounded chamfer 52d form a bottom edge and a bottom edge, respectively.The base of the container 6 is rounded. Such shapes support the positive and force-fit connection between the transport adapter 5 and the container 6. The bottom of the container 6 can be formed by the conical shape 52e or the trough shape 52f of the block section 52. This allows the container 6 to enclose the transport adapter 5, or vice versa, and to hold the container 6 securely in a force-fit / positive-fit manner. The block sections 52 have identical external dimensions and are designed so that they can be installed interchangeably in the mold 4.

[0058] Block section 52 is designed to match the base contour of container 6 such that it forms a negative mold of the container's base. The remaining mold components of the multi-part mold 4 are shaped such that, when assembled, block section 52 forms a flush inner surface 3 with them. Using block section 52 as a transport adapter 5 allows for quick and easy ejection of the transport adapter 5, along with the container 6, from the multi-part mold 4. The container 6 is held by block section 52 at its base, leaving the outer surface and top section accessible for subsequent machining operations while the container 6 is held by the transport adapter 5. Furthermore, the appearance of the container's outer contours is less affected, as recesses for the transport adapter 5 are only required on the base of the container 6.

[0059] Block section 52 can hold the container 6 by means of a holding mechanism operating by means of negative pressure. Block section 52 is preferably designed to seal airtight against the bottom of the container 6 to enable suction by the holding mechanism. The container 6 can be released from the transport adapter 5 by means of positive pressure for transfer to a downstream processing step. The suction power can be regulated depending on the container geometry and its curing state. This allows for precise holding of the sensitive container 6.

[0060] Fig. 5b shows an exemplary sectional view of two embodiments of the transport adapter 5 according to the second embodiment. The transport adapter 5 has a rectangular or round block section 52. The block section 52 consists of a single part. A retaining section 10 is arranged on the block section 52. The retaining section 10 is simplified here as two pins that project radially outwards from the transport adapter 5. The transport adapter 5 is moved, for example, by a transfer device (not shown) that engages with the retaining device 10. The transfer device can grasp and transport the transport adapter 5, which carries the container 6, by the retaining sections 10. The retaining mechanism 10 can also be a recess, eyelet, through-hole, or the like, by which the transport adapter 5 can be held.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.

[0061] The reference symbols are exemplified as follows.

[0062] 1 Device for the manufacture and handling of a container

[0063] 2 fiber-based material

[0064] 3 inner surface

[0065] 4 multi-part form

[0066] 5 transport adapters

[0067] 6 containers

[0068] 6a Recess

[0069] 7 Supply line

[0070] 8 Sieve section

[0071] 9-channel system

[0072] 10 Holding device

[0073] 11 Connection mechanism

[0074] 12th detention period

[0075] 13 Containment devices

[0076] 14 valve

[0077] 51 Ring section

[0078] 51a Detention structure

[0079] 51b paragraph

[0080] 51c Nut

[0081] 51d phase

[0082] 51e rounded chamfer

[0083] 51f thread

[0084] 52 Block section a Bonding structure b Heel c Chamfer d Rounded chamfer e Conical shape f Tub shape

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for the production and handling of a container (6) made of fiber-based material (2), comprising: a multi-part mold (4), wherein the mold (4) defines the outer shape of the container (6) to be produced, a supply line (7) for supplying a suspension of fiber-containing material (2), characterized in that the device (1) is configured to detachably attach a transport adapter (5) to the container (6) during the forming of the container (6).

2. Device (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) is made of stainless steel, silicone, plastic or dried fiber-based material and is configured to hold the container (6) by means of a positive fit or force fit, preferably on recesses (6a) on the container (6) and to transport it out of the device (1).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) has a holding device (10) by means of which the transport adapter (5) with the held container (6) can be removed from the device (1).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) is a ring section (51) which is arranged in the multi-part form (4) such that it remains attached to a head section of the container (6).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) consists of at least two parts which are connected by a connection mechanism (11), in particular by positive locking, a pin connection, hinges, springs and / or magnets.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) in the form of a ring section (51) has on an inside of the ring section (51) adhesive structures (51a), a shoulder (51b), a groove (51c), a chamfer (51d), a rounded chamfer (51e) and / or a thread (51f) each configured to allow fiber-based material (2) to be deposited on it.

7. Device (1) according to one of device claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) is a block section (52), preferably with a rectangular or circular base, which is arranged in the multi-part form (4) in such a way that it remains attached to a bottom section of the container (6).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) has adhesive structures (52a), a shoulder (52b), a chamfer (52c), a rounded chamfer (52d) or a conical shape (52e) or a trough shape (52f) on an outer surface.

9. Method for manufacturing and handling a container (6) made of fiber-based material (2) comprising the following steps: Applying a suspension of fibrous material (2) into a multi-part mold (4) to form a container (6), wherein the multi-part mold (4) defines the outer shape of the container (6) to be produced; Opening the multi-part form (4); characterized by Attaching a transport adapter (5) to the container (6) during the forming of the container (6), wherein the transport adapter (5) is detachably attached to the container (6).

10. Method according to one of the preceding method claims characterized in that the container (6) is held and transported in the transport adapter (5) by means of a positive fit or force fit, preferably at notches (6a) on the container (6).

11. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the container (6) to be produced is held by the dispensed transport adapter (5) in at least one downstream treatment step, wherein the downstream treatment step is preferably a drying of the container (6) to be produced or a transport of the container (6) to be produced in the transport adapter (5) and the transport adapter (5) is subsequently detached from the container (6) after the at least one downstream treatment step, wherein optionally the adapter is returned in order to attach it to another container.

12. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that when applying the suspension of fibrous material (2) the transport adapter (5) is directly exposed to the flow and fibers are laid directly on the surface of the transport adapter (5) to form a head section or bottom section of the container (6).

13. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the transport adapter (5) forms the container (6) made of fiber-based material (2) by means of adhesive structures (51a, 52a), a shoulder (51b, 52b), a rib (51c), a chamfer (51d, 52c), a rounded chamfer (51e, 52d), a thread (51f) or a cone shape (52e) or trough shape (52f).

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