# US 12,179,463 B2 · Recyclable paper with polymeric barrier layer and method of recycling the same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,179,463 B2 - Document ID: US12179463B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/723,728 - Filed: 2022-04-19 - Published: 2023-10-19 - Granted: 2024-12-31 - Earliest claimed: 2022-04-19 - Assignees: Sonoco Development, Inc. - Applicants: Sonoco Development, Inc. - Inventors: Scott William Huffer - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12179463B2 ## CPC - B32B 29/002: {as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material (next to a layer of a particular substance B32B9/06; next to a bituminous or tarry layer B32B11/06; next to a water-setting substance layer B32B13/08; next to a metal layer B32B15/12; next to a glass layer B32B17/065; next to a layer formed of natural mineral fibres or particles B32B19/046; next to a wood layer B32B21/06; next to a cellulosic plastic layer B32B23/06; next to a natural or synthetic rubber layer B32B25/06; next to a synthetic resin layer B32B27/10)} - B32B 7/12: using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties - B32B 7/14: applied in spaced arrangements, e.g. in stripes - B32B 15/08: of synthetic resin - B32B 27/10: of paper or cardboard - B32B 27/306: {comprising vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol (co)polymers} - B32B 27/308: {comprising acrylic (co)polymers} - B32B 27/32: comprising polyolefins {(comprising vinyl (co)polymers or acrylic (co)polymers B32B27/30)} - B32B 27/36: comprising polyesters - B32B 2250/03: 3 layers - B32B 2255/10: on synthetic resin layer or on natural or synthetic rubber layer - B32B 2255/20: Inorganic coating - B32B 2255/205: Metallic coating - B32B 2255/26: Polymeric coating - B32B 2255/28: Multiple coating on one surface - B32B 2307/31: Heat sealable - B32B 2307/412: Transparent - B32B 2307/718: Weight, e.g. weight per square meter - B32B 2307/7242: Non-permeable - B32B 2307/7265: Non-permeable - B32B 2307/7376: Thickness - B32B 2307/748: Releasability - B32B 2439/06: Bags, sacks, sachets - B32B 2439/70: Food packaging - B65D 27/005: {Linings} - Y02W 30/80: Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging (bio-packaging Y02W90/10) - B32B: LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - Y02W: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT ## Abstract A recyclable structure and methods of recycling are provided herein. A recyclable structure for use in packaging comprises a paper layer, and a polymeric film layer. An adhesive layer adhesively joins the paper layer and the polymeric layer. The adhesive layer comprises an acrylic or a urethane adhesive. The recyclable structure 85% by subjecting the structure to mechanical stresses and repulping. The adhesive layer has a greater affinity for the polymeric film layer than the paper layer. Upon repulping the adhesive layer is mostly separated from the fibers within the paper layer. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A recyclable structure for use in packaging, the structure comprising: a paper layer forming an exterior layer of the structure; a polymeric layer forming an interior layer of the structure; an adhesive layer adhesively joining the paper layer and the polymeric layer, wherein the adhesive layer has a greater affinity for the polymeric layer than the paper layer such that when exposed to mechanical stress the adhesive layer fractures internally into at least a first portion adjacent the paper layer and a second portion adjacent the polymeric layer and wherein, in a cross-section of the layers, the first portion is smaller than the second portion. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The structure of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is releasable from the paper layer upon repulping. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The structure of claim 1, wherein the polymeric layer includes a barrier layer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The structure of claim 3, wherein the barrier layer is aluminum oxide. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The structure of claim 3, wherein the barrier layer is transparent. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The structure of claim 3, further comprising a coating layer disposed adjacent either the polymeric layer or the barrier layer. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The structure of claim 6, wherein the coating layer is a heat seal. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The structure of claim 7, wherein the heat seal is polyester, styrene acrylic, or styrene butadiene. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The structure of claim 6, wherein the coating layer is a cold seal. ### Claim 10 (depends on 3) The structure of claim 3, wherein paper layer comprises a plurality of exposed fibers on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the adhesive layer is configured to prevent the polymeric layer or the barrier layer from binding with or encapsulating the plurality of exposed fibers. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure is at least 90% paper by weight. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The structure of claim 1, wherein at least 80% by weight of the paper layer is recovered upon recycling of the structure. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The structure of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer has a thickness of less than 10 microns. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The structure of claim 13, wherein the adhesive layer has a thickness of less than 6 microns. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The structure of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is transparent. ### Claim 16 A recyclable structure for use in packaging, the structure comprising: a paper layer defining a first surface and a second surface; an adhesive layer disposed adjacent the second surface; a polymeric layer disposed adjacent the adhesive layer, opposite the paper layer, wherein the adhesive layer has an affinity for the polymeric layer, such that when exposed to mechanical stress the adhesive layer fractures internally into at least a first portion adjacent the paper layer and a second portion adjacent the polymeric layer and wherein, in a cross-section of the layers, the first portion is smaller than the second portion; and a barrier layer disposed on the polymeric layer. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The structure of claim 16, wherein the adhesive layer is an acrylic or urethane based adhesive. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The structure of claim 16, wherein the barrier layer is aluminum oxide.