Multilayer Adhesive Material for Horticultural Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging solutions for horticultural products are not suitable for direct contact due to residue issues and contamination risks, and they fail to maintain adhesion under humid conditions, leading to packaging waste and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer adhesive material comprising a polyolefin film with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer based on an aqueous emulsion stable at pH < 7.5, interposed between polyolefin films, which allows for direct contact without residue and maintains adhesion under humid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional acrylic adhesive or hot melt adhesive is used for grouping horticultural products, then adhesion function is achieved, but residue is left on the products when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive by specifying precise formulations (acrylic adhesive with 0.5-2.0 phr vinyl acetate and 0.1-0.5 phr bentonite, or polyvinylidene fluoride adhesive with specific additives). These parameter adjustments enable the adhesive to bond effectively while remaining removable without residue, resolving the contradiction between adhesion reliability and residue-free removal.
2Loss of information
If printed bands are used for grouping horticultural products, then commercial information is conveyed, but ink transfers onto the adhesive and contaminates the products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a barrier layer (release liner) between the printed surface and the adhesive layer. This intermediary prevents direct contact between ink and adhesive, stopping ink transfer while allowing the printed commercial information to remain visible and functional. The release liner acts as a physical mediator that separates the two components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heat-shrink films are used for grouping articles, then irregular shapes are accommodated, but horticultural products suffer organoleptic damage due to temperature sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (heat-shrink) with a mechanical adhesive bonding system. Instead of using heat to shrink and conform the packaging to irregular shapes, the invention uses pressure-sensitive adhesive bands that can be applied at ambient temperature, accommodating irregular product shapes through adhesive conformity rather than thermal contraction, thus avoiding organoleptic damage.
4Reliability
If conventional packaging materials are used for horticultural products, then containing function is achieved, but packaging waste increases with environmental and economic impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin, disposable adhesive bands made from cost-effective materials (BOPP film with specific adhesive formulations) that can be easily applied and removed. These lightweight, single-use bands provide adequate containment for horticultural products during transport and display, then can be discarded without significant environmental or economic burden, reducing overall packaging waste compared to more substantial traditional packaging 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 material enables residue-free wrapping and grouping of horticultural products, reducing packaging waste and environmental impact while ensuring adhesion at various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a layer (15) of pressure-sensitive adhesive arranged on the second surface (14b) of the polyolefin film (14), wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive is an aqueous emulsion stable at pH < 7.5 based on at least one acrylic polymer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multilayer adhesive material 1 suitable for food contact comprising: - a polyolefin film 14 having a first surface 14a and a second surface 14b opposite the first; - a polyolefin film 11 coupled to the polyolefin film 14 on the first surface 14a by means of a layer 13 comprising at least one adhesive; - a layer 12 comprising at least one ink interposed between the polyolefin layers 11 and 14; and - a layer 15 comprising at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive arranged on the second surface 14b of the polyolefin film 14, wherein the at least one pressure-sensitive layer is an aqueous emulsion stable at pH < 7.5 based on at least one acrylic polymer, and the use of said film for preparing rolls of adhesive material for packaging fruit and vegetables both for manual applications and with an applicator machine.