Recyclable Fiber Package Structure for Moisture-Sensitive Absorbents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent article packaging materials face challenges in achieving a balance between providing sufficient barrier properties against atmospheric moisture, maintaining structural integrity, and being environmentally friendly, while also being recyclable and suitable for high-speed manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The use of a package material comprising natural fibers and multiple barrier film layers, each made of different polyolefin materials, which are designed to provide superior recyclability, side seal strength, and barrier properties, as measured by a HuBa factor, ensuring the absorbent articles remain effective for an extended shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic films are used as packaging material, then barrier properties against atmospheric moisture are improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a plastic film layer with a plastic laminate layer to create a multi-layer packaging structure. The plastic film provides the necessary barrier properties against moisture, while the plastic laminate layer enhances structural integrity and sealability. This composite approach allows the package to meet performance requirements while reducing overall plastic usage and improving recyclability compared to using thick plastic films alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carton board is used as packaging material, then environmental friendliness and recyclability are improved, but barrier properties against atmospheric moisture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines carton board with a plastic film layer in a composite structure. The carton board provides structural support, environmental friendliness, and recyclability, while the plastic film layer contributes the necessary moisture barrier properties. This composite material approach allows the packaging to achieve both environmental sustainability and functional performance that neither material could provide alone.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If natural fibers are used as package material, then recyclability and environmental friendliness are improved, but barrier properties and seal strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite packaging material by bonding a plastic film layer to a plastic laminate layer that is attached to natural fiber-based carton board. The natural fibers provide recyclability and environmental friendliness, while the plastic layers contribute barrier properties and seal strength. The plastic laminate acts as an intermediate layer that bonds the plastic film to the natural fiber substrate, enabling the composite to achieve properties superior to the individual components.
4Device complexity
If single-layer packaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but barrier properties and shelf life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the packaging into multiple functional layers: a plastic film layer for moisture barrier, a plastic laminate layer for structural support and sealability, and a natural fiber carton board layer for sustainability and rigidity. Each layer performs a specific function, and the segmented structure allows optimization of each component for its intended purpose while achieving overall superior performance compared to single-layer packaging.
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 package material effectively protects absorbent articles from moisture, maintains seal strength, and is recyclable, ensuring the absorbent articles retain their functionality and integrity throughout the shelf life without premature activation of wetness indicators.
Implementation Method 1
Plastic can exhibit barrier properties protecting the absorbent articles within the plastic packaging from atmospheric moisture
Implementation Method 2
Carton board, as it is derived from wood pulp, may be sustainably sourced and recyclable
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a package of one or more moisture- and/or humidity-sensitive unit dose products. The package comprises a package material comprising natural fibers. The package comprises a plurality of panels comprising a consumer-facing panel. The package is sealed such that the one or more products are enclosed therein. The package material exhibits a HuBa value of greater than about 5 hours, according to the HuBa Test. The package is recyclable. The package comprises a side seal having a seal strength that is in the range of about 5.1 N/15 mm to about 15 N/15 mm, according to Seal Tensile Strength Test. The package material comprises a barrier film.