Recyclable Liquid Packaging with Integrated Opening Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging for liquid foods is not adequately recyclable due to plastic-coated cardboard, is difficult for individuals with weakened muscles to open, allows air ingress, and is inefficient for complete emptying and storage.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system comprising a 100% recyclable cardboard outer casing, a biopolyethylene inner bag, and a multifunctional opening module with integrated filling and emptying devices, which is designed to be easily opened, sealed, and flattened, minimizing air content and optimizing recyclability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cardboard is coated with plastic foil to create packaging, then packaging integrity and liquid containment are improved, but recyclability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging integrityVSAvoidrecyclability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into separate components: an inner bag made of biopolyethylene for liquid containment and an outer cardboard casing for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be made from its most suitable material, with the inner bag being fully recyclable and the outer casing providing mechanical strength without requiring plastic coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic coating is extracted from the cardboard structure and replaced by a separate inner bag made of recyclable biopolyethylene. This extraction eliminates the contamination issue that prevents cardboard recycling while maintaining the liquid containment function through the inner bag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a separate cap is used for opening packaging, then sealing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidease of opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated opening module that combines a pressable opening mechanism with a resealable closing element. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate caps while maintaining sealing capability through the closing element that can be pressed to seal and opened by pressing again.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a traditional screw-cap that requires rotational motion and finger strength, the opening mechanism is inverted to use a pressable action that is easier for individuals with weakened muscles. The closing element responds to pressing motion rather than requiring threading and rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional packaging structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but air ingress deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidair ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inner bag is nested within the outer cardboard casing, creating a barrier system where the inner bag provides the hermetic seal against air ingress while the outer casing provides structural protection. This nested configuration maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standard packaging components while effectively preventing air contact with the liquid contents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Loss of substance

If packaging is designed for complete emptying, then product utilization is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct utilizationVSAvoidpackaging structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner bag is made of flexible biopolyethylene material that can be compressed and deformed to extract the last portions of liquid product. The flexibility of the thin film bag allows it to be squeezed completely empty without requiring complex pumping mechanisms or additional dispensing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4077148B1Packaging for liquid products and a procedure for filling the packaging and a process for producing an inner bag for the packaging

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 RIN PACK AB

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AI summary

Packaging for liquid food, where the packaging has an outer casing (2) of cardboard, an inner bag (8) of plastic foil which consists of e.g. completely recyclable bio-polyethylene plastic, where the inner bag is arranged inside the outer casing (2) and completely fills it when the inner bag is filled with the food, and an opening module, here called MF module (12), which contains an emptying device and a filling device arranged on a plastic disc (14), wherein the emptying device comprises an emptying channel (13) and a stopper (19) and where the filling device comprises a filling channel (25) and a filling plug (26) and wherein the MF module (12) is connected to the inner bag (8) by that the underside of the plastic disc (14) is welded to the outside of the inner bag so that the emptying channel (13) connected to a hole (11) in the inner bag (8) where the filling channel (25) opens into the emptying channel (13) is connected to the outer cover (2) in that top flaps (6a - 6d) of the outer casing are attached to a slot (17) in the plastic disc (14) along the side edges thereof.. The application also includes a method for filling the packaging and a method for producing an inner bag for the packaging.