Stretchable Cellulose Packaging via Wet Creping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic stretch wrap materials are not recyclable and have high elongation and tensile strength requirements that are difficult to achieve with paper-based materials, making them unsuitable for use in existing pallet wrapping machines.
Innovation Solution
A method of producing a stretchable packaging material by refining wood pulp to a high degree and subjecting it to a wet creping process, resulting in a cellulose layer with enhanced elongation and tensile strength, which can be used to create a water-repellent stretchable packaging material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper-based materials are used as alternative to plastic stretch wrap, then recyclability and sustainability are improved, but elongation and tensile strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by refining wood pulp to a high degree (at least 70° SR) and controlling the wet creping process parameters to achieve the desired balance between elongation and tensile strength. This transforms the physical and mechanical properties of the cellulose layer to meet stretch wrap requirements while maintaining recyclability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining refined wood pulp with specific creping processes to produce a multi-layered cellulose material. The composite nature of the creped paper provides both the required mechanical strength and elongation properties that single-layer paper cannot achieve
2Reliability
If paper-based materials are used as alternative to plastic stretch wrap, then recyclability and sustainability are improved, but elongation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by refining wood pulp to a high degree (at least 70° SR) and controlling the wet creping process parameters to achieve the desired balance between elongation and tensile strength. This transforms the physical and mechanical properties of the cellulose layer to meet stretch wrap requirements while maintaining recyclability
Solution Approach 2:
The wet creping process creates a curved, creped structure in the cellulose layer that provides elastic recovery and elongation. The creped texture with its curved surfaces allows the material to stretch and rebound, achieving elongation properties comparable to plastic stretch wrap
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing pallet wrapping machines are used with paper-based materials, then machine compatibility is maintained, but material performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by refining wood pulp to a high degree (at least 70° SR) and controlling the wet creping process parameters to achieve the desired balance between elongation and tensile strength. This transforms the physical and mechanical properties of the cellulose layer to meet stretch wrap requirements while maintaining recyclability
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 resulting stretchable packaging material has an elongation at break of at least 8% and a tensile strength of at least 10 N/15 mm, making it suitable for use in existing pallet wrapping machines and providing improved water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the cellulose layer to a wet creping process
Implementation Method 2
the raw base paper having been treated with, e.g. impregnated with, a hydrophobic substance
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a stretchable packaging material comprises producing a cellulose layer from a refined wood pulp, wherein the refined wood pulp has been refined to a refining degree of at least about 70° SR, and subjecting the cellulose layer to a wet creping process. A stretchable packaging material comprising a cellulose layer can be produced by this method.