MFC Suspension Packaging Shape for Stackable Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging methods for microfibrillated cellulose suspensions, such as plastic bags and drums, are inadequate for large volumes due to difficulty in handling, stacking, and maintaining shape during transport, leading to air pockets and shape deformation.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system using polymer materials to contain microfibrillated cellulose suspensions, which maintains a solid and firm shape, allowing for easy stacking and stable transport, comprising a tubing or tube-shaped design with specific dimensions and materials, and a process involving extrusion and closure to ensure dimensional stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional packaging like plastic bags is used for MFC suspensions, then the packaging is easy to empty, but the packaging cannot be stacked due to air pockets forming and adopting different shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of emptyingVSAvoidshape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible plastic bags as packaging containers for MFC suspensions. The flexible shell conforms to the contents while maintaining a defined rectangular prism shape when filled, enabling both ease of emptying and stable stacking without air pockets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging is designed to maintain a uniform rectangular prism shape when filled with MFC suspension, creating equipotential surfaces that allow stable stacking on pallets. The defined geometry ensures consistent center of gravity and contact surfaces for stacking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Shape

If conventional packaging like drums or bins is used for MFC suspensions, then the packaging can maintain shape, but it is difficult and resource demanding to empty the containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape stabilityVSAvoidease of emptying

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible plastic bag packaging combines shape stability when filled with ease of emptying. The flexible material allows the bag to be collapsed and emptied completely, unlike rigid drums or bins that require significant resources to empty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging transitions from a flexible, form-fitting state during filling to a rigid, stackable state when filled and sealed. This dynamic adaptation allows the packaging to maintain shape for stacking while remaining easy to empty when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If MFC suspension is packaged in conventional containers, then the packaging can be filled, but air pockets form causing the bags to adopt different shapes during storage and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling capacityVSAvoidshape uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible plastic bag conforms to the MFC suspension content, eliminating air pockets by adapting to the exact volume and shape of the filled material. This ensures uniform rectangular prism shape during storage and transport while maximizing filling capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging design changes the physical parameters of the container to match the properties of the MFC suspension, creating a form-fitting package that eliminates voids and air pockets. The flexible material allows complete filling without trapped air, ensuring shape uniformity

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 system provides a compact, stable packaging that retains the water retention capacity of microfibrillated cellulose and prevents sedimentation, enabling efficient stacking and transport without shape deformation.

Implementation Method 1

The packaging maintains the water retention capacity of the suspension (paste)... provides a solid and firm packaging shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical strength:

Implementation Method 2

The packaging maintains the water retention capacity of the suspension (paste)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater retention capacity:

Implementation Method 3

prevents sedimentation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation prevention: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP3684700B1Compact system for packaging microfibrillated cellulose

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 BORREGAARD

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for the compact packaging of microfibrillated cellulose, which comprises a packaging, which comprises at least one polymer material. Said packaging encompasses a content that essentially consists of microfibrillated cellulose ("MFC") that is present as a suspension in a solvent. The resulting system is of an essentially round or essentially rectangular or oval outer circumference, as defined by the dimensions of the packaging once fully filled out by the content. The system of the invention has the advantage, among others, to provide a solid and firm essentially round packaging shape. The resulting units of packaged MFC can be easily stacked on a pallet. The packaging maintains the water retention capacity of the suspension (paste). The present invention also relates to a process for making such a system.