Biodegradable Wipe Package with Polymer Baffle for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging for premoistened wipes is not recyclable and biodegradable, despite advancements in making the wipes themselves from renewable resources, leading to environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A package made from a biodegradable web, such as cellulose fiber, with a liquid-resistant layer and a baffle made from a polymer film to protect the material from saturating solutions, allowing for recyclability and biodegradability while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the package is made from petroleum-based polymers and films, then the package has good moisture resistance and structural integrity, but the package is not recyclable and not biodegradable
Solution Approach 1:
The package uses a composite structure combining biodegradable materials (cellulose fiber web, paper, paperboard) with a minimal amount of polymer film (less than 5% by weight) for moisture resistance. This composite approach allows the package to achieve both environmental friendliness and functional moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer film is applied locally only where moisture resistance is critical (interior surfaces contacting the saturating solution), while the majority of the package structure uses biodegradable materials. This localized application minimizes polymer usage while maintaining necessary protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the biodegradable web is used without liquid-resistant layer, then the package is fully biodegradable and recyclable, but the biodegradable material degrades when contacted by saturating liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer film changes the moisture permeability parameter of the package structure, creating a barrier that prevents saturating liquid from contacting and degrading the biodegradable web, while maintaining the overall biodegradable nature of the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer film acts as an intermediary barrier between the saturating liquid and the biodegradable web, protecting the web from direct contact with moisture while allowing the package to remain predominantly biodegradable.
3Ease of operation
If the opening is made large for easy dispensing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the edge of the biodegradable web is exposed to saturating liquid causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle extends into the interior space of the package, creating a three-dimensional protective structure that shields the opening edge from moisture exposure while maintaining easy dispensing through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle is pre-positioned around the opening edge before the package is filled and used, providing immediate protection against moisture contact as soon as the package is opened, preventing degradation before it can occur.
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 provides a fully sustainable packaging option that is environmentally friendly, recyclable, and resistant to moisture, preventing degradation and ensuring the package remains effective during use and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one liquid-resistant layer is incorporated into the package including a baffle made from a polymer film that protects exposed biodegradable material, such as a cellulose material, from the saturating liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A package for containing premoistened wipes including a top package wall opposite a bottom package wall comprising a biodegradable web and the top package wall defining an opening surrounded by an edge of the biodegradable web for dispensing premoistened wipes therethrough. A baffle attached to the top package wall comprising a polymer film surrounding the edge of the biodegradable web including a passageway configured to permit permoistened wipes to be removed from the package without contacting the edge of the biodegradable web. In one embodiment, the package is primarily made from cellulose fiber materials laminated with a polymer film. The paper material can be printed and die cut prior to the lamination of the polymer film to produce an opening for dispensing wipes. The polymer film can form a smaller aperture within the opening cut into the cellulose fiber material for protecting the edges of the cellulose fiber material from moisture.