Biodegradable Barrier-Coated Molded Fiber Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modified atmosphere packaging units are not biodegradable or compostable, contributing to plastic pollution and environmental harm, and they lack sustainable recycling options.
Innovation Solution
A modified atmosphere packaging unit made from moulded fiber products with a biodegradable barrier-coating or film, incorporating plant-based fibers, microfibrillated cellulose, and biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, which provides a sustainable and compostable solution for extending shelf life and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional plastic packaging units are used to maintain modified atmosphere and extend shelf life, then the shelf life extension function is achieved, but the environmental pollution and non-biodegradability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional plastic to biodegradable fiber-based materials (moulded fiber product), while maintaining the modified atmosphere function through gas flushing. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by replacing harmful plastic materials with environmentally friendly alternatives that can be composted, thus extending shelf life without causing plastic pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of fiber-based components (plant fibers, wood fibers) combined with biodegradable barrier coatings or films. This composite structure provides both the modified atmosphere function for shelf life extension and the biodegradability needed to eliminate plastic pollution, resolving the technical contradiction between functionality and environmental harm.
2Reliability
If plastic packaging units with barrier films are used to maintain modified atmosphere, then the atmosphere maintenance function is achieved, but the biodegradability and compostability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from conventional plastic barrier films to biodegradable barrier coatings or films applied on fiber-based packaging. This parameter change maintains the atmosphere maintenance reliability while achieving biodegradability and compostability, as the barrier layer is now made from environmentally friendly materials that can decompose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a biodegradable barrier coating or film as an intermediary layer between the fiber-based packaging and the internal atmosphere. This intermediary maintains the modified atmosphere function while being itself biodegradable, thus resolving the contradiction between atmosphere maintenance reliability and biodegradability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If fiber-based packaging materials are used to reduce plastic pollution, then the sustainability and biodegradability are improved, but the barrier properties and shelf life extension worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where fiber-based packaging (moulded fiber product) is combined with biodegradable barrier coatings or films. This composite structure provides both the sustainability and biodegradability of fiber-based materials and the necessary barrier properties for shelf life extension, resolving the contradiction between sustainability and barrier performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies biodegradable barrier coatings or thin films on the fiber-based packaging surface. These flexible barrier layers provide the necessary protection against gas and moisture penetration, maintaining shelf life extension functionality while the underlying fiber-based material ensures sustainability and biodegradability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic packaging is used for modified atmosphere packaging, then the manufacturing ease and barrier performance are achieved, but the recycling possibilities and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional plastic to biodegradable fiber-based materials, maintaining manufacturing ease through similar molding and processing techniques while eliminating the environmental harm. The biodegradable barrier coatings or films are applied using conventional coating methods, preserving manufacturing ease without compromising environmental sustainability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution offers a sustainable packaging option that is biodegradable and compostable, improving recycling possibilities while maintaining the modified atmosphere to extend the shelf life of food products, thus reducing environmental impact and waste.
Implementation Method 1
the product receiving body and the seal or lid is provided with a biodegradable barrier-coating and/or a biodegradable barrier-film
Implementation Method 2
an amount of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)... MFC may fill the gaps between the fibers and, therefore, has gas barrier properties
Implementation Method 3
a moulded fiber product comprising: an amount of plant-based fiber material; and an amount of wet strength agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modified atmosphere packaging unit, and method for manufacturing such unit and the use thereof. A modified atmosphere packaging unit according to the invention comprises: a product receiving body configured for holding a product, and having a bottom part and a wall part; a flange configured for attaching a seal thereon for closing the product receiving body; a seal or lid that is attached to the flange, wherein the product receiving body and the flange are a moulded fiber product comprising: an amount of plant-based fiber material; an amount of wet strength agent; and wherein the product receiving body and the seal or lid is provided with a biodegradable barrier-coating and/or a biodegradable barrier-film.