Multilayer Sheet for Controlled Sulfur Dioxide Release in Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging methods for agricultural products, such as table grapes, fail to provide uniform and controlled release of sulfur dioxide, leading to uneven protection against fungal growth, excess active ingredient accumulation, and degradation under moisture conditions, resulting in damage and reduced storage efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable multilayer sheet with a polymeric layer and an active layer containing sodium metabisulphite or its precursor, which is printed and bonded to form a compact structure for uniform distribution and controlled release of sulfur dioxide, preventing fungal growth during transportation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional packaging methods use sodium metabisulphite powder or pads, then fungal growth is inhibited, but the active ingredient accumulates unevenly and causes damage to fruit in concentrated areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefungal growth inhibitionVSAvoidfruit damage from excess SO2

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging aid is divided into multiple functional layers: a polymeric support layer, an active ingredient layer containing sodium metabisulphite, and a barrier layer. This segmentation distributes the active ingredient uniformly across the packaging surface rather than concentrating it in single points, preventing localized excess SO2 release that damages fruit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different layers of the packaging aid have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the polymeric layer provides structural support and uniform distribution, the active ingredient layer contains the fungicidal compound, and the barrier layer controls release rate. This local differentiation ensures consistent SO2 release across the entire packaging surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional pads are used with high powder content, then fungal protection is enhanced, but the powder accumulates in bag corners and releases SO2 unevenly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefungal protectionVSAvoiduniformity of active ingredient distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The active ingredient is distributed across a large surface area of the polymeric support rather than concentrated in a small pad, ensuring uniform coverage and preventing accumulation in specific locations such as bag corners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging aid transitions from a three-dimensional powder-filled pad to a two-dimensional sheet structure, allowing the active ingredient to be distributed across the entire surface area rather than concentrating in a compact volume, thereby achieving uniform SO2 release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If conventional packaging lacks barrier protection, then the structure is simple, but moisture and condensation degrade the pad material and cause uneven release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging structureVSAvoidrelease control under moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging aid combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a polymeric support layer for structural integrity, an active ingredient layer for fungicidal action, and a barrier layer to control moisture penetration and SO2 release. This composite structure maintains reliability under varying moisture conditions while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Quantity of substance

If conventional methods use uncontrolled SO2 release, then the active ingredient is readily available, but the release depletes too fast and leaves grapes unprotected during extended storage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSO2 availabilityVSAvoidprotection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer controls SO2 release in a sustained manner over time, providing periodic protection throughout the storage period. The controlled release mechanism ensures that active ingredient is available when needed rather than depleting rapidly, extending protection duration to cover extended storage and transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 multilayer sheet ensures homogeneous distribution and controlled release of sulfur dioxide, significantly reducing fungal infections by up to 95-100% for 90 days, while maintaining fruit quality and reducing mechanical damage and condensation issues.

Implementation Method 1

A number of alternatives have been investigated for postharvest treatment of table grapes with some success. Sulphur dioxide gas is effective against molds and fungi and has been commonly used to control the decomposition will gray mold (Botrytis cinerea sp) in grapes and other products.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS20250017225A1Multilayer structure for active packaging, process and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 DECCO WORLDWIDE POST HARVEST HLDG

AI summary

A multilayer sheet for controlling growth of post-harvest pathogens in agricultural product. use thereof for controlling growth of post-harvest pathogens during packaging, storing and/or transportation of agricultural products, and a method comprising the use thereof.