Recyclable paper with polymeric barrier layer and method of recycling the same
AssigneeSonoco Development, Inc.
InventorScott William Huffer
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
A method for preventing fiber encapsulation in a recyclable packaging structure, the method comprising:
- providing a fiber-based layer comprising a plurality of exposed fibers;
- applying an adhesive to the fiber-based layer;
- and
- coating the adhesive with a polymer,
- wherein the adhesive is applied in a thickness sufficient to prevent the coated polymer from encapsulating the plurality of exposed fibers of the fiber-based layer, and
- wherein when the structure is exposed to mechanical stress associated with a recycling process, the adhesive fractures internally into at least a first portion adjacent the fiber-based layer and a second portion adjacent the coated polymer.
A method for providing a recyclable packaging structure and recycling the same, the method comprising:
- providing a fiber-based layer comprising a plurality of exposed fibers;
- applying an adhesive to the fiber-based layer;
- and
- coating the adhesive with a polymer,
- wherein the adhesive is applied in a thickness sufficient to prevent the coated polymer from encapsulating the plurality of exposed fibers of the fiber-based layer, and
- exposing the packaging structure to mechanical stress such that the adhesive layer fractures internally into at least a first portion adjacent the fiber-based layer and a second portion adjacent the polymeric layer;
- and
- recycling at least the first portion.
A method for providing a recyclable packaging structure and recycling the same, the method comprising:
- providing a paper-based layer;
- applying an adhesive to the paper-based layer to form a recyclable packaging structure;
- applying a polymeric coating to the adhesive;
- exposing the packaging structure to mechanical stress such that the adhesive layer fractures internally into at least a first portion adjacent the paper-based layer and a second portion adjacent the polymeric layer;
- and
- recycling at least the first portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.