Machine-Glazed Paper Composition for Stiff, Sealable Paper Sticks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper-based materials are considered less suitable for replacing single-use plastic items like cotton buds and lollipop sticks due to low shape stability, poor sealability, and issues with dusting and blunting during manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A machine-glazed paper comprising softwood fibers and a high starch content, with specific Cobb values and fiber orientation, enhancing bending resistance, sealability, and reducing dusting during slitting operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If paper-based materials are used to replace plastic single-use items, then biodegradability and renewability are improved, but shape stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidshape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the paper by controlling the fiber composition (63-80 wt% softwood fibers), starch content (0.1-2 wt%), and Cobb value (20-50 gsm) to achieve both biodegradability and improved shape stability for paper stick applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite paper material combining softwood fibers with starch and other additives to achieve properties that neither component alone provides, specifically improved shape stability while maintaining biodegradability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If paper-based materials are used to replace plastic single-use items, then environmental friendliness is improved, but sealability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidsealability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies paper parameters including fiber type, starch content, and Cobb value to achieve adequate sealability for cotton bud applications while maintaining environmental friendliness through biodegradable materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses starch as an intermediary substance that facilitates sealing in the paper material without compromising its biodegradable and environmentally friendly properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional paper is used for making paper sticks, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dusting and blunting during slitting operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddusting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes paper parameters including fiber composition, starch content, and surface properties (Cobb value) to reduce dusting during slitting operations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If high starch content is added to improve sealability, then sealability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the starch content parameter to a specific range (0.1-2 wt%) that provides adequate sealability while avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity that would result from higher starch additions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 combination of softwood fibers and starch improves the stiffness and sealability of paper sticks, reducing dusting and blunting, while maintaining shape stability and enabling efficient production.

Implementation Method 1

a fast water absorption, indicated by the Cobb value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250376809A1Machine glazed paper and method for preparing the machine glazed paper
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 BILLERUD AB

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a machine glazed paper comprising softwood fibers, the machine glazed paper comprising starch to an amount within the range of from 0.1 wt. % by weight to 2 wt. % of the dry weight of the machine glazed paper. the amount of softwood fibers of the total amount of fibers being 63 wt. % or more, and the machine glazed paper having a Cobb value within the range of from 20 gsm to 50 gsm. as measured according to the standard method ISO 535:2014. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a method of producing the machine glazed paper.