Compostable Capsule Multilayer Barrier for Beverage Preservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compostable beverage containers lack both oxygen and moisture barriers, which are essential for preserving the quality and flavor of beverages, and their production is complicated by the need for complex manufacturing processes to achieve these barriers.
Innovation Solution
A compostable multilayered sheet material is used to create beverage capsules, where a formable cellulose-based primary sheet layer is combined with additional layers providing oxygen and moisture barrier functions, simplifying production and improving adhesion between materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cellulose is used for the beverage container to make it compostable, then the container becomes environmentally friendly and compostable, but it lacks inherent oxygen and moisture barrier properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining cellulose base material with plastic film layers to create a multilayered structure. The cellulose provides compostability while the plastic film layers provide the necessary oxygen and moisture barrier properties, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nested structure where plastic film layers are embedded within or applied to the cellulose container walls. The barrier layers are positioned inside the cellulose structure to provide protection while maintaining the overall compostable nature of the container.
2Reliability
If different compostable materials are combined to improve barrier performance, then oxygen and moisture barriers are enhanced, but adhesion between materials becomes difficult to achieve without complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the cellulose container with adhesive or treating the surfaces before combining materials. This preparation step ensures proper adhesion between the cellulose and plastic film layers, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving reliable barrier performance.
3Reliability
If plastic film is applied to cellulose base to provide barrier properties, then oxygen and moisture barriers are achieved, but the container loses compostability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing barrier properties only in specific localized areas where needed, such as the inner lining or specific sections of the container, rather than making the entire container non-compostable. This allows the majority of the container to remain compostable while achieving necessary barrier functionality in critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule (100) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule (100) comprises a capsule body (110) with a sidewall (111) and a bottom wall (120). The sidewall (111) and the bottom wall (120) delimit a chamber (150) for a substance that is used for the preparation of the beverage. The chamber (150) has an opening (151) opposite to the bottom wall (120) with respect to the chamber (150). The sidewall (111) and/or the bottom wall (120) is/are made from a compostable multilayered sheet material (200), which has a moisture and oxygen barrier function. The sheet material (200) comprises a primary sheet layer (210), which is made of a formable cellulose-based material. The sheet material (200) further comprises one or more secondary layers (220) that comprise at least a moisture barrier layer (221) for the moisture barrier function. The invention also relates to a method for producing said capsule (100).