Layered Biodegradable Packaging Film for Moisture-Sensitive Products

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biodegradable packaging materials are limited to dry or non-moisture sensitive materials, failing to address the needs of packaging liquids and moisture-sensitive solids, and contribute to environmental pollution through incineration and landfill disposal.

Innovation Solution

Development of water-dispersible and biodegradable films comprising a first layer of water-dispersible paper and a second layer of biodegradable material, such as poly(hydroxyalkanoate), which can be printed and used to package liquids or moisture-sensitive products, dissolving in water and biodegrading in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional packaging materials are used, then packaging strength and moisture barrier are maintained, but environmental pollution increases through incineration and landfill disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidpackaging integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging film is divided into multiple layers with different functions: an inner layer for moisture barrier and product contact, and an outer layer for biodegradation and environmental safety. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified packaging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials combining conventional polymers for moisture barrier with biodegradable components for environmental safety. The multi-layer structure integrates materials with complementary properties to simultaneously achieve packaging reliability and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable packaging materials are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but the packaging is limited to dry or non-moisture sensitive materials only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidapplicability to liquid and moisture-sensitive products

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging film is divided into multiple layers with different functions: an inner layer for moisture barrier and product contact, and an outer layer for biodegradation and environmental safety. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified packaging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner layer acts as an intermediary barrier that protects moisture-sensitive products from environmental moisture while allowing the outer biodegradable layer to interact with the environment for degradation. This mediator layer enables the package to protect products during use while maintaining biodegradability for disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single-layer biodegradable structure is used, then material simplicity is maintained, but protection against moisture and liquids is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmoisture barrier protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging film is divided into multiple layers with different functions: an inner layer for moisture barrier and product contact, and an outer layer for biodegradation and environmental safety. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified packaging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials combining conventional polymers for moisture barrier with biodegradable components for environmental safety. The multi-layer structure integrates materials with complementary properties to simultaneously achieve packaging reliability and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 films maintain product integrity while allowing environmentally responsible disposal by dissolving in water and biodegrading, facilitating biodeterioration and assimilation, suitable for packaging liquids and moisture-sensitive items.

Implementation Method 1

a first layer having from about 60 wt. % to about 100 wt. % of a water-dispersible material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

a second layer having from about 95 wt. % to about 100 wt. % of a biodegradable material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS12577025B2Water-dispersible and biodegradable films for packaging

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 SMARTSOLVE IND LLC

AI summary

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to packaging film and packages constructed from water-dispersible and/or biodegradable material. The water-dispersible and biodegradable package consists of a first layer of a water-dispersible material constituting an interior of the package, and a second layer of a biodegradable material constituting the exterior of the package. The package may have printed indicium printed onto the exterior of the package.