Recyclable Floor Graphic Substrate with Dissolvable Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphic media, such as floor graphics, are not recyclable due to non-recyclable adhesives that are difficult to separate from the substrate, leading to environmental waste upon replacement or updating.
Innovation Solution
A recyclable graphic media design featuring a polymeric substrate with a release liner and a removable adhesive, allowing the substrate to be recycled by dissolving the adhesive in water, and optionally including an overlay with a similar adhesive for enhanced recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesives are used to adhere the substrate to the surface, then the graphic media has strong bonding and durability, but the adhesive cannot be separated from the substrate and cannot be recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive from the substrate by applying it to a release liner instead of directly to the substrate. The adhesive is transferred to the substrate during application, but the release liner can be removed, allowing the adhesive to be separated from the substrate for recycling purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The release liner acts as an intermediary between the adhesive and the substrate. It allows the adhesive to be applied and transferred to the substrate while maintaining the ability to separate the adhesive from the substrate afterward, enabling recycling of the substrate.
2Loss of substance
If the entire graphic media is disposed of as waste to ensure complete removal of non-recyclable adhesive, then no recyclable materials are lost, but significant waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graphic media into separable components: the substrate, the adhesive, and the release liner. This segmentation allows the substrate to be separated and recycled while the adhesive remains on the release liner for proper disposal, reducing overall waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery of the substrate material by separating it from the adhesive through the release liner mechanism. The substrate can be discarded cleanly without adhesive contamination, making it suitable for recycling while minimizing environmental impact.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a release liner is added to enable adhesive removal and recycling, then recyclability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive application and release liner functions into a single integrated component. The release liner is supplied with the adhesive pre-applied or applied simultaneously, reducing the need for separate adhesive application steps and simplifying the overall process.
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
Enables the recycling of graphic media substrates and overlays, reducing waste and environmental impact by separating and dissolving adhesives without affecting the substrate's recyclability, while maintaining durability and functionality for applications like floor graphics.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive is removable from the substrate such that the substrate can be recycled. The adhesive is removable from the substrate by, for example, dissolving the adhesive, preferably in water.
Data Source
AI summary
A recyclable graphic media includes a polymeric substrate having a first side and a second side, a release liner, and an adhesive applied to release liner. The adhesive is disposed between the release liner and the substrate. The adhesive is dissolvable from the substrate such that the substrate can be recycled. The recyclable graphic media can be a floor graphic. A release liner having a release material and an adhesive applied to the release material is also disclosed.