5644results about "Bio-packaging" patented technology

Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, an auxiliary water-dispersible organic polymer, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the auxiliary polymer to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation. The starch and auxiliary polymer form the binding matrix of the sheets with the fibers and optional inorganic filler dispersed throughout the binding matrix. The starch-bound sheets can be cut, rolled, pressed, scored, perforated, folded, and glued to fashion articles from the sheets much like paper or paperboard. The sheets are particularly useful in the mass production of containers, such as food and beverage containers.

Disclosed is a portable cooler device comprised of recyclable materials. Some embodiments of the device comprise components constructed entirely of, or substantially of, cellulose. Other embodiments may be comprised of recyclable materials not classified as cellulose such as, but not limited to, cotton, bamboo, hemp, or other natural fibers. The specific percentages of recycled and / or recyclable content are not limiting factors for the invention; however, most embodiments have consistent materials of construction such that the entire device may be recycled in a single recycling process without the need for deconstruction. Further, if not recycled, embodiments are operable to biodegrade within a reasonable amount of time when exposed to the elements in a landfill. Typical embodiments are comprised of an inner shell, an outer shell having an integrally hinged lid, and pressed cellulose insulating boards sandwiched between the shells.

A moisture resistant poultry box having a composite structure with a fluted paper medium, a top backing board assembly secured to one side of the fluted medium and a bottom backing board assembly secured to the other side of the fluted medium. The backing board assemblies and the fluted medium are impregnated with a hydrogenated triglyceride, and each backing board assembly has PET film glued thereto covering an outside surface to provide moisture resistant recyclable poultry box so that it has a Cobb value ranging between about 0 to about 1.

Fibrous sheets are coated or impregnated with a biodegradable composition to render the sheets more resistant to penetration by liquids. Biodegradable polymer blends suitable for use in coating or impregnating a fibrous sheet can be manufactured from at least one “hard” biodegradable polymer and at least one “soft” biodegradable polymer. “Hard” biopolymers typically have a glass transition temperature of at least about 10° C. “Soft” biodegradable polymers typically have a glass transition temperature less than about 0° C. Another useful biodegradable polymer composition includes one or more biodegradable polymers and sufficient inorganic filler so as to render the treated sheet microwaveable. The biodegradable polymer compositions are especially well-suited for coating or impregnating paper sheets, e.g., 12–15 lb / 3000 ft2 tissue paper to yield food wraps. Food wraps will typically be manufactured to have good “dead-fold” properties so as to remain in a wrapped position and not spring back to an “unwrapped” form.