Multilayer Cellulose Packaging Barrier Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellulose-based packaging materials are porous and lack sufficient barrier properties, making them unsuitable for food applications and difficult to recycle, while multilayer solutions with lower cellulose content face challenges in recycling and barrier effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A cellulose-based, multilayer three-dimensional food packaging structure comprising a bioplastic layer, a barrier paper layer, and a moulded cellulose layer, where the barrier paper layer is introduced between the moulded cellulose and bioplastic to enhance oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, reducing the need for excessive coating and facilitating recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cellulose-based packaging materials are used, then recyclability is improved, but barrier properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining three distinct layers: a moulded cellulose layer (providing recyclability and structural form), a barrier paper layer (providing gas and moisture barrier properties), and a plastic layer (providing additional barrier and sealing properties). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing each layer to contribute its specific strength, achieving both recyclability through the cellulose base and sufficient barrier properties through the combined layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is segmented into three functional layers with distinct roles. The moulded cellulose layer forms the structural base and provides recyclability, the barrier paper layer provides gas and moisture barrier properties, and the plastic layer provides additional barrier and sealing functions. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified packaging solution.
2Reliability
If multilayer packaging structure is used, then barrier properties are improved, but cellulose content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different material compositions to different layers based on their specific functions. The moulded cellulose layer maintains high cellulose content for recyclability, while the barrier paper and plastic layers are applied locally where barrier properties are needed. This allows the packaging to achieve high barrier properties in specific areas without requiring the entire structure to have high plastic content.
3Reliability
If plastic layer is added to cellulose packaging, then barrier properties are improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into separable layers where the plastic layer is applied as a distinct coating or laminate on top of the cellulose-based structure. This segmentation allows the plastic component to be potentially separated and recycled separately from the cellulose layer, maintaining recyclability while providing the necessary barrier properties through the plastic layer.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the field of food packaging, in particular food packaging. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a three/dimensional cellulose/based food packaging with excellent barrier properties. For example, the present invention relates to a cellulose-based, multilayer, three-dimensional food packaging comprising a bioplastic layer, a barrier paper layer and a moulded cellulose layer. This cellulose-based, multilayer, three-dimensional food packaging has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 30 cc/m2/d (23°C, 50%RH) and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than 20 g/m2/d (38°C, 90 %RH).