Repulpable securing devices

Abstract

The invention relates to repulpable securing devices for securing repulpable articles. The securing devices are preferably in the form of straps or tapes made from extruded sheets of polyvinylalcohol or rope from extruded fibers of polyvinylalcohol. The securing devices are wrapped around pulpable articles for example, bales of pulp sheets, to hold them securely bound during transit or storage. They may also be used in machine thread-up or turn-up operations or as a handle for repulpable articles. The securing devices have the combination of properties of high tensile strength and repulpability at cold and hot water repulp temperatures. The securing devices can be repulped along with repulpable bales. These devices replace conventional wire or plastic strap which must be separately removed and disposed of, for example, at landfill sites.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.