Compostable Paper Bag with Resealable Closure for Food Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealable bags used for food and other products are typically made of plastic, which are harmful to the environment due to their non-biodegradability and non-compostability.
Innovation Solution
Development of a paper bag that is sealable, resealable, and compostable, with options for being made from more than 50% paper, including bleached or unbleached paper, with added features like gussets, anti-microbial coatings, and water-resistant materials, designed for food service and other applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic bags are used for sealing and resealing, then sealability and liquid-tightness are achieved, but environmental harm increases due to non-biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to paper, specifically using coated paper with water-resistant and grease-resistant properties. This parameter change maintains the functional requirements for sealing and liquid-tightness while eliminating the environmental harm associated with non-biodegradable plastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by coating paper with water-resistant and grease-resistant materials. This composite approach combines the biodegradability and compostability of paper with the protective barrier properties needed for sealability and liquid-tightness, resolving the contradiction between functionality and environmental friendliness.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If paper bags are used instead of plastic, then environmental friendliness improves through biodegradability, but sealability and liquid-tightness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of paper by applying water-resistant and grease-resistant coatings. These parameter changes enable the paper to achieve liquid-tightness and grease-proof properties while maintaining its inherent biodegradability and environmental friendliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-resistant and grease-resistant coatings act as intermediary layers between the paper substrate and the contents (food, liquids, grease). These intermediary coatings provide the necessary barrier properties for liquid-tightness and sealability without compromising the biodegradable nature of the underlying paper structure.
3Reliability
If plastic coatings are applied to paper bags for water-resistance, then liquid-tightness is achieved, but compostability and biodegradability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using water-resistant materials that are themselves biodegradable or compostable, changing the parameter of water-resistance achievement from conventional plastic coatings to environmentally compatible alternatives. This allows the bag to maintain water-resistance functionality while preserving compostability and biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-resistant and grease-resistant properties are applied locally as surface coatings rather than as bulk plastic material. This local quality approach provides the necessary water and grease resistance at the surface level while the bulk paper material remains fully biodegradable and compostable, resolving the contradiction between water-resistance and compostability.
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 paper bag provides an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags, offering a high degree of air-tightness and liquid-tightness while being recyclable, compostable, and safe for food use, reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive strip or sticker is used to close the bag by bonding surfaces together
Implementation Method 2
The paper bag is coated with a water-resistant material
Implementation Method 3
The paper bag to be coated with an oil and grease resistant (OGR) material. It is an object of the present invention for the paper bag to be grease proof, preventing grease from escaping through the bag
Data Source
AI summary
A bag comprised of paper that is closed, sealed, or resealed for holding food or another object. The bag having an open top, interior and exterior surface. The bag further comprising a closure mechanism.