Cellulose-Based Bottom Web for High Oxygen Transmission Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging materials for fresh seafood do not meet the required oxygen transmission rates to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum, posing a risk to consumer health, as they often lack sufficient permeability and sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A cellulose-based bottom web with a semi-rigid, thermoformable structure and a polymeric seal layer, comprising 80-99.5% cellulose and 0.5-20% polymeric material, which allows for a higher oxygen transmission rate and wider top web options, enhancing packaging efficiency and sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging materials are used, then the packaging structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the oxygen transmission rate is insufficient and cannot meet FDA standards
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom web is constructed as a composite material consisting of cellulose-based material (80-99.5 wt%) combined with thermoplastic material (0.5-20 wt%). This composite structure achieves the required oxygen transmission rate of at least 10,000 cc/m2/day while maintaining structural integrity and sealability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the bottom web by specifying precise weight ratios of cellulose (80-99.5 wt%) to thermoplastic material (0.5-20 wt%). This parameter optimization enables the material to achieve both high oxygen transmission and sufficient mechanical properties for vacuum skin packaging, meeting FDA standards without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If cellulose-based materials are used to increase oxygen transmission rate, then the packaging becomes more sustainable and meets FDA standards, but the material requires additional polymeric seal layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functions of different layers: the cellulose-based layer (80-99.5 wt%) provides high oxygen transmission and sustainability, while the thermoplastic seal layer (0.5-20 wt%) provides localized sealing capability. This functional differentiation allows the multilayer structure to achieve both high oxygen transmission and sealability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of cellulose-based material and thermoplastic material creates a composite structure where each component contributes its superior properties. The cellulose phase provides oxygen permeability and sustainability, while the thermoplastic phase provides sealability, together resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity.
3Reliability
If high cellulose content is used to achieve sustainability and oxygen transmission, then the environmental performance improves, but the sealability and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function in the thermoplastic material layer (0.5-20 wt%), which provides localized sealability at the sealing zones. The bulk cellulose-based material (80-99.5 wt%) maintains sustainability and oxygen transmission properties, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental performance and sealability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system combines the sustainability and oxygen transmission advantages of cellulose with the sealability advantages of thermoplastic materials. The synergistic interaction between the two material phases allows the package to achieve both high environmental performance and adequate sealability.
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 cellulose-based bottom web achieves an oxygen transmission rate of at least 8,000 cc/m2/day, meeting FDA standards and reducing the risk of Clostridium botulinum growth, while utilizing more sustainable materials and offering flexibility in top web selection.
Implementation Method 1
The seal layer being heated to enable sealing of the flexible top web thereto
Implementation Method 2
The space between the heated top web and the support having been evacuated
Implementation Method 3
the packaging material does not have a relatively high oxygen transmission rate ('OTR')... the bottom web achieving an oxygen transmission rate of at least 8,000 cc/m2/day
Data Source
AI summary
A cellulose based bottom web, package made therefrom and method for manufacture. The bottom is primarily made from cellulose based material. The bottom web having a seal layer on its surface. The seal layer being mostly made from polymeric material. The bottom web being semi-rigid and thermoformable. The bottom web having between 80-99.5 wt % cellulose based material and 0.5-20 wt % polymeric material. A flexible top web is sealed to the bottom web to form a package.