Biodegradable Zipper Composition for Reclosable Flexible Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible packages are non-biodegradable, non-re-closeable, and lack consumer flexibility in varying contents, with consumers unable to conveniently open, close, or refill them with desired quantities.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable zipper made of 20-100% water-soluble polymer and 0-80% plant-based cellulose material, allowing for a re-closeable package that can be opened and closed by consumers, and filled with desired contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials (cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol) are used for flexible packages, then environmental biodegradability is improved, but re-closeability and consumer flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into two distinct parts: a biodegradable flexible body made from cellulose or polyvinyl alcohol, and a separate non-biodegradable zipper mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to serve its optimal function - the body provides environmental biodegradability while the zipper provides re-closeability and consumer flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The package employs a composite structure combining biodegradable materials (cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol) for the flexible body with traditional non-biodegradable zipper components. This composite approach enables the package to simultaneously achieve environmental biodegradability and functional re-closeability, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Productivity
If pre-filled packages are used with heat sealing or gluing, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but consumer flexibility to vary contents is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The package transitions from a static, permanently sealed design to a dynamic, re-openable system. The zipper mechanism allows the package to be opened and closed multiple times, enabling consumers to access contents, vary quantities, and refill as needed, while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through the standardized zipper integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-biodegradable plastics are used for re-closeable packages, then consumer flexibility and re-closeability are improved, but environmental biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The package is segmented into a biodegradable flexible body and a non-biodegradable zipper. This allows the majority of the package (the flexible body) to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable, while only the small zipper component compromises biodegradability, minimizing the harmful environmental impact while maintaining re-closeability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the package have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The flexible body uses biodegradable materials where environmental compatibility is critical, while the zipper uses traditional materials where mechanical durability and re-closeability are essential, accepting that only a small portion of the package will not be biodegradable.
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
Enables fully biodegradable, re-closeable packages that consumers can open, close, and refill, providing flexibility in content variation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a water-soluble polymer component... causing release of the package contents
Implementation Method 2
biodegradable (repulpable, compostable and/or water soluble) zipper... made from cellulose materials
Data Source
AI summary
A biodegradable (repulpable, compostable and/or water soluble) zipper is provided for attachment to a biodegradable flexible package. The biodegradable zipper is formed using a water-soluble polymer that can be combined with a repulpable and/or compostable material, such as a plant-based cellulose material. The biodegradable zipper enables the biodegradable package to be opened and closed by the consumer, so that the consumer has the option to determine, change or manipulate the contents of the biodegradable flexible package.