Opaque Immersion-Resistant Paper for Wine Labels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Uncoated paper labels fail to maintain intense whiteness and opacity in humid environments, particularly when immersed in water, and existing solutions like liquid polymer coatings are costly, complicate manufacturing, and restrict double-sided printing.

Innovation Solution

An opaque uncoated paper with a base composed of 80% cellulose fibers and mineral fillers, treated with mineral or other pigments and water-soluble and synthetic binders on both surfaces, allowing for single-line production and printing on both sides, while maintaining resistance to immersion and adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid polymer layer is applied to the back of the paper to improve water resistance and opacity, then immersion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmersion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the liquid polymer coating layer from the paper structure, extracting the problematic element that caused manufacturing complexity while maintaining immersion resistance through the paper's inherent properties and alternative formulation approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the paper composition itself, using specific fiber types, ratios, and treatments to achieve water resistance without requiring an additional polymer coating layer, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If a liquid polymer layer is applied to the back of the paper to improve opacity, then wet opacity is improved, but the number of production passes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveopacityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the opacity function into the base paper structure itself rather than adding a separate polymer layer, merging multiple functions into a single integrated paper composition that maintains opacity without requiring additional production passes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a liquid polymer layer is applied to the back of the paper to improve water resistance, then immersion resistance is improved, but double-sided printing capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidprinting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the polymer coating that prevented double-sided printing, extracting the barrier element while maintaining water resistance through alternative means, thereby restoring printing flexibility on both sides of the paper

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies water resistance properties locally to the paper structure through fiber treatment or composition rather than through a surface polymer layer, allowing the surface to remain printable while maintaining internal water resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If traditional gluing methods are used on polymer-coated paper, then adhesion is compromised, but alternative gluing methods are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidgluing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hydrophobic polymer layer that prevented adhesion, extracting the element that caused gluing problems and restoring compatibility with traditional cold gluing methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface properties of the paper to be more adhesive-friendly, modifying the chemical or physical parameters of the paper surface to enable effective bonding with traditional adhesives

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 solution provides a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing label that remains resistant to immersion for 24-48 hours, supports various gluing methods, and simplifies production, reducing waste and outsourcing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a single surface treatment consisting of mineral or other pigments, chosen from the group comprising titanium dioxide, kaolin, talc, ATH, carbonate or titanium substitutes, combined with water-soluble and synthetic binders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a base paper support composed of approximately 80% cellulose fibers and opacifying mineral fillers, chosen from the group comprising titanium dioxide, kaolin, talc, carbonate or titanium substitutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption and scattering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

the said layer of liquid polymer does not allow for double-sided printing of the label... the effectiveness of traditional gluing, such as cold gluing, is compromised by the high hydrophobicity of the polymer layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3684682B1Opaque paper withstanding immersion
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 PAPETERIE ZUBER RIEDER
  • EP3684682B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to an opaque paper (2) which can withstand immersion for producing a label (1) which is intended mainly for bottles (6) of wines or spirits, and which is remarkable in that it is constituted by a basic paper substrate (3) which is constituted by fibres and opacifying mineral fillers, the basic paper substrate (3) being subjected on the front and rear faces to a surface treatment (4) which is constituted by mineral pigments or other pigments which are associated with hydrosoluble and synthetic binders. The invention also relates to a label (1) and the method for producing it from the paper (2).