Cellulose Packaging With Perforated Sealing Edges for Easy Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions using plastic lids are environmentally problematic due to disposal and recycling issues, and there is a need for an eco-friendly packaging that can be opened efficiently and in a defined manner.

Innovation Solution

A packaging design using a cellulose-containing tray with angled sealing edges and perforations that weaken the material, allowing easy opening by tearing off the sealing edges and peeling the lid, while maintaining a strong adhesive bond to ensure easy and consistent opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If plastic is used for the lid in packaging, then the packaging can be sealed and opened, but it creates environmental problems with disposal and recycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to cellulose-containing material, transforming the packaging from non-biodegradable to biodegradable while maintaining the sealing function through adhesive bonding to the tray's sealing edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses cellulose-containing material for both the lid and tray, creating a homogeneous material composition that enables complete biodegradation and simplifies recycling, eliminating the need for plastic components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the packaging is made entirely of cellulose material, then it is environmentally friendly, but it may be difficult to open consistently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidopening consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-forms sealing edges on the tray and pre-applies adhesive to these edges before packaging, ensuring that the cellulose lid can be consistently and easily opened by peeling away from the pre-prepared sealing surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the cellulose material by creating angled sealing edges and applying adhesive, which changes the bonding characteristics to allow for consistent and easy opening while maintaining environmental friendliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If strong adhesive bond is used to seal the lid, then the packaging is securely sealed, but it requires more force to open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing strengthVSAvoidopening force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sealing interface by creating angled sealing edges on the tray, which distributes the adhesive bond across a larger surface area and allows the lid to be peeled away progressively, reducing the peak opening force required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional aspect to the sealing edge by angling it outward, creating a larger bonding surface area that distributes the adhesive force and enables easier peeling while maintaining secure sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design facilitates easy and consistent opening with minimal force, protects contents from contamination, and is environmentally friendly due to the use of recyclable cellulose materials, with production processes that can be automated.

Implementation Method 1

the lid is glued to the first sealing edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a perforation is formed on the first folded edge for the joint tearing off of the first sealing edge and the portion of the lid glued thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture Mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP4048606B1Packaging made of cellulose material and opening method
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 KARL KNAUER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4048606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4048606B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4048606B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging (10), in particular for piece goods, having a folded shell (16) made of cellulose-containing flat material and a cover (18), the shell (16) and the cover (18) enclosing an interior of the packaging (10), the shell (16) having a first side wall (30), on which a first sealing edge (36) is angled outwardly away from the interior along a first fold edge (38) and wherein the cover (18) is glued to the first sealing edge (36). The packaging is characterised in that a perforation (44) for tearing off the first sealing edge (36) together with the portion of the cover (18) glued to it from the first side wall (30) is formed on the first fold edge (38). The invention also relates to a bundle comprising such a packaging (10) and comprising an object that is received in the packaging (10). The invention also relates to a method for opening a packaging (10) which also has a second side wall (32), on which a second sealing edge (40) is angled outwardly away from the interior along a second fold edge (42), with the cover (18) being glued to the first sealing edge (36) and to the second sealing edge (40). The method has the steps of: a) tearing the first sealing edge (36) together with the portion of the cover (18) glued to it away from the first side wall (30) along the perforation (44) on the first fold edge (38); b) pulling the cover (18) away from the second sealing edge (40).