DE102023108551A1 - Packaging functional body - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional packaging body (1). The invention further relates to an inlay (10, 11, 12) for a packaging (20, 21, 22) with a number of these functional packaging bodies (1). The invention also relates to a packaging (20, 21, 22) with such a functional packaging body (1) and/or with such an inlay (10, 11, 12). Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a functional packaging body (1). In order to provide an environmentally friendly packaging (20, 21, 22) which has heat-insulating and shock-absorbing properties, so that it is particularly suitable as insulating and/or shipping packaging, a functional packaging body (1) is proposed which has heat-insulating and shock-absorbing properties and preferably is also open to diffusion, produced without the addition of artificial additives from essentially completely degradable natural materials, in particular in such a way that it can be composted by industrial composting and / or by home composting.

Description

The invention relates to a functional packaging body. In addition, the invention relates to an inlay for packaging, with a number of these functional bodies. The invention also relates to packaging with such a functional body and/or with such an inlay. Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing a functional packaging body.

Mail order business has increased significantly in recent years. The living conditions and needs of end consumers have also changed. The proportion of one- and two-person households as well as seniors is increasing, smaller units are being purchased, which can also have an increasing effect on packaging consumption.

The disposal of packaging material can represent an ever-increasing ecological problem, especially for the end consumer. Packaging is often not biodegradable, compostable or easy to fully recycle. The production is often based on petroleum, is energy-intensive and the environmental compatibility is controversial. Packaging often has little moisture regulation and to prevent damage to the items being protected, additional wrapping is often necessary.

Various insulating and shipping packaging are known from the prior art. These are subject to special requirements in terms of diffusion and thermal conductivity as well as shock absorption.

In order to achieve an insulating effect, conventional packaging, such as those made from EPS (expanded polystyrene), are often equipped with large air chambers and are therefore very voluminous, requiring high storage and loading capacity, which can result in considerable costs.

The Styrofoam, which is also used as packaging material, has a low moisture-regulating effect; it is produced on a petroleum basis and is energy-intensive. The environmental compatibility is controversial.

An object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly packaging which has heat-insulating and shock-absorbing properties, so that it is suitable as insulating and/or shipping packaging.

This object is achieved by a packaging functional body according to claim 1 or an inlay for a packaging according to claim 6 or a packaging according to claim 8 or by a packaging according to claim 9 or by a method according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The advantages and refinements explained below in connection with the packaging functional body also apply mutatis mutandis to the inlay according to the invention, to the packaging according to the invention and to the manufacturing method according to the invention and vice versa.

The invention provides a heat-insulating and shock-absorbing, preferably also vapour-permeable packaging functional body. This packaging functional body is characterized in that it is made from completely or essentially completely degradable natural materials without the addition of artificial additives.

This functional packaging body preferably serves as a heat-insulating insulation material for an inlay or packaging. Due to their heat-insulating properties, inlays and packaging with functional packaging bodies according to the invention are suitable for shipping chilled goods. Due to the shock-absorbing properties of the packaging functional body, it also serves to protect the packaged item from damage. The functional body and inlays or packaging equipped with it can be used for shipping almost all products that are sensitive to shock and/or need to be protected against temperature influences. Preferably, the packaging functional body is also open to diffusion, i.e. it has a low resistance to moisture diffusing through, so that the desired moisture regulation can take place in a packaging.

According to the invention, an inlay (insert, insert) for packaging is proposed which comprises a number of these functional bodies, in particular in such a way that a heat-insulating, vapor-permeable and shock-absorbing inlay is provided. The inlay is an independently manageable insert for insertion into packaging, in particular into a packaging container, e.g. an outer box. Using the functional bodies according to the invention, in particular flat, cushioning inlays or freely shaped inlays can be produced.

Using the functional bodies according to the invention, one-part or multi-part inlays can be produced, for example two-part, three-part or six-part inlays. Depending on the shape and number of functional bodies used, inlays in another desired form are also possible.

An inlay preferably consists exclusively of a number of functional bodies, i.e. no other components are used to produce the inlay. In other words, according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlay is formed by at least one functional body.

The inlays, in particular the flat, cushioning inlays, preferably have a thickness of 1 to 10 centimeters.

According to a preferred embodiment of the packaging, a packaging according to the invention comprises at least one inlay which comprises a number of functional bodies, in particular in such a way that a heat-insulating, vapor-permeable and shock-absorbing packaging is provided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an inlay forms a self-contained inner lining of an outer packaging, for example a cardboard box, this inner lining being able to be introduced, in particular inserted, into the outer packaging.

According to one embodiment of the invention, an inlay is formed by one, two, three or six functional bodies. Each functional body can be divided into a number of functional body sections.

The inlay can be stored separately and placed in an outer box or similar if necessary. The packaging can also be pre-assembled with an inlay already inserted. Up to a certain size, in terms of space-saving delivery and storage, it is of little importance whether several outer boxes and the inlays are packaged individually or whether the outer box is delivered and stored already lined with the inlay.

According to a further embodiment of the packaging, a packaging according to the invention comprises at least one functional body, in particular in such a way that a heat-insulating, diffusion-open and shock-absorbing packaging is provided. Preferably, a number of functional bodies serve as an insert for a wall of a packaging, in particular a packaging container. The functional body lies in a cavity in a wall of the packaging and in this way forms part of the packaging. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging is formed by at least one functional body which is provided with a covering in the form of a separate casing element, this casing element forming at least part of the wall of the packaging. A packaging equipped in this way, particularly if it is designed as a non-self-supporting, flexible packaging, for example as a sack, can be transported as a shock-absorbing, heat-insulating packaging in an outer packaging, for example a shipping box.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the packaging functional body consists essentially exclusively, preferably exclusively, of completely biodegradable material.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the packaging functional body consists essentially exclusively, preferably exclusively, of compostable, in particular completely compostable, material.

The packaging functional body preferably consists essentially exclusively, preferably exclusively, of one or more natural, renewable raw materials. These raw materials are preferably plant fiber material, in particular digested plant fibers, and/or animal fiber material. Due to the organic origin of plant and animal natural fibers, they are particularly suitable for composting.

Alternatively or in addition to these fiber materials, the functional body material can be entire plants or their components, such as leaves, stems or stalks or parts thereof, which are largely in raw form. If fiber material is generally referred to below, this further functional body material can always be meant as an alternative or additional functional body material.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the materials used for producing the functional body are flax and/or jute and/or hemp and/or other natural fiber materials obtained from plants. The functional body preferably consists essentially, but at least predominantly, of natural plant fibers from a renewable raw material, including seed fibers, bast fibers and hard fibers. Flax and hemp are particularly suitable for the purpose described here due to their fiber structure.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, only digested plant fibers are used to produce the functional body. How the fiber breakdown takes place, especially the separation of the fibers from the rest of the plant as well as the separation or refinement of the fiber base into individual fiber bundles is of minor importance for the present application. Vegetable fiber material has proven to be particularly advantageous, with the use of which, including a binder or without a binder, a functional body with a density of up to 40 kg/m ³ can be produced.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the materials used to produce the functional body are animal fibers. Wool is preferably used. Sheep's wool has proven to be particularly beneficial. But other animal fibers are also suitable, such as fine and coarse animal hair and silk.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the materials used to produce the functional body are a mixture of plant and animal natural fibers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the functional packaging body consists essentially of flax fibers. Flax is a beneficial hollow fiber with breathable properties that absorbs moisture well.

Flax fibers have good thermal conductivity while requiring little space. The air is held between the flax fibers, creating an insulating effect. Compared to conventional packaging, for example made of Styrofoam, significantly less storage and loading capacity is required, which can save significant costs.

Flax fibers also have a high dimensional stability and are very tear-resistant. Despite a preferred density of the functional body made from it of only 30 to 40 kg/m ³ , pressure loads are absorbed well. They are therefore particularly suitable for shock absorption through shock absorption.

The production of flax is particularly environmentally friendly. Flax is a frugal plant and therefore has few requirements. Flax does not require artificial irrigation. Flax harvesting is also an environmentally friendly, natural process that does not require any chemicals or other additives. The nutrients that are released from the plants during dew retting are reabsorbed into the soil. There is no waste when using flax, every part of the plant can be used, e.g. for paper, oil, linoleum, insulation or bedding.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more natural, biodegradable binders are additionally used to bond the fibers in the production of the functional packaging body. When using a binder, there is a material bond between the fibers of the functional packaging body.

The natural binder lignin, which is released during the manufacturing process by heating and is already contained in the plants, is preferably used as the binder.

Alternatively, these binders are mixed into the fiber material before the functional packaging body is manufactured. The proportion of such an admixture is preferably at least 5% by volume and at most 10% by volume. The natural binder added is preferably a plant-based PLA supporting fiber, for example obtained from corn or potato starch. Alternatively, a natural glue is added, such as agar-agar, pectin, alginate, corn or potato starch or similar.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging functional body is produced without additional natural binders. In order to be able to completely dispense with a binder, the loose fibers of the renewable raw material used are felted. In this case, hemp is preferably used as the fiber raw material, as hemp is particularly easy to felt.

If functional bodies are not used as an inlay but rather directly as an enclosed part of a packaging, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention they do not require any kind of covering. For example, functional bodies without a covering can be used as part of the wall of a packaging, in particular as part of a wall of a packaging container, namely as an insert for such a wall. Nevertheless, in this case too, the functional bodies can be covered, for example to ensure a particularly low level of particle escape from the functional body.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the functional packaging body is provided on all sides with a covering which largely prevents fiber material, in particular plant parts or dust, from escaping from the functional packaging body. In particular, the covering is designed in such a way that it prevents the escape of individual fibers or Plant parts completely and the escape of dust is at least almost completely prevented.

In this way, the packaging functional body is enclosed on all sides and can easily be used, for example, as an inlay or as part of an inlay for packaging. The item to be protected is thus comprehensively secured and protected from contamination.

Inlays with such functional packaging bodies are particularly suitable as secondary packaging for food.

This cover is preferably not an additional element that has to be attached to the functional body using connecting elements, or that has to be placed around the functional body in such a way that the connection to the functional body is established by a positive fit. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the covering is instead designed as an integral part of the packaging functional body. No additional covering component is then required to provide the covering.

In other words, according to this embodiment of the invention, the cover is inseparably connected to the inlay, so that the resulting covered functional body is not in several parts, but in one piece, in particular in one piece. Such a one-piece connection of the cover to the functional body reduces the number of individual parts required in the production of the inlay or packaging.

Preferably, the casing material, like the fiber material, is biodegradable. Before the inlay is disposed of or recycled, a cover does not have to be separated from the inlay or from the packaging. The wrapping also does not have to be disposed of separately. Instead, the entire inlay or packaging can be composted

The integrally designed covering is preferably designed as an all-round coating that is applied to the surface of the functional body. This preferably results in a cohesive covering.

Since the coating only adheres to the fibers, the functional body remains an open structure. There is no closed coating.

The coating is preferably applied in such a way that at least 90% and at most 98% of the surface of the packaging functional body is coated. Because at least 90% is coated, unwanted escape of particles from the functional packaging body is largely avoided. Because a maximum of 98% is coated, moisture regulation within the functional packaging body, the inlay or the packaging is still possible.

A particularly good compromise between a desired moisture permeability and an undesirable particle impermeability is achieved when the coating covers 96 ± 1% of the surface of the functional body.

Preferably a natural, completely biodegradable coating material is used.

Casein, dextrin or a comparable material is preferably used as the coating material, in particular a coating material based on protein or starch. Starch foam can also be used as a coating material. Preferably a waterproof coating material is used.

The coating is preferably sprayed onto the functional body, for example using a spray device such as a spray gun.

As an alternative to a covering in the form of a coating, in another embodiment of the invention it is provided to provide the functional body with a covering which consists of a biodegradable natural fiber network or natural fiber material. The net or the fabric is preferably produced separately from the functional body and placed around the functional body following the production. The meshes of the net or the fabric are preferably dimensioned and designed with such a tight mesh that the escape of particles from the functional body is prevented or made more difficult.

Such a covering preferably consists of a jute or linen fabric. In this embodiment, an additional enveloping element is provided, and such an enveloping element is also designed to prevent particles from escaping from the functional body.

Preferably the material used for the covering is a fabric. Alternatively, a close-meshed net, braid or other suitable textile fabric can be used.

As an alternative to a jute or linen fabric or net, one can be used as a separate cover element Executed covering can also be made of another suitable material. The following, preferably biodegradable materials have proven particularly useful for this: bioplastics, paper, cardboard, cellulose, nonwovens, starch.

A functional body provided with such a casing designed as a separate casing element can also be used as an inlay for packaging. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, a functional body covered in this way does not serve to be used as part of an inlay or to form an inlay. Instead, a functional body covered in this way serves as a direct component of a packaging, in particular as part of the wall of a packaging, in particular as part of a wall of a packaging container, namely as an insert for such a wall, in particular for a wall designed as a hollow wall.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more functional bodies, which are provided with a covering designed as a separate shell element, form a bag. In other words, the packaging is a double-walled packaging bag, the wall of which is filled with a number of functional bodies. The bag is preferably completely lockable. The type of closure is irrelevant, as long as it ensures that the bag is closed adequately for the type of goods to be transported in it.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a covering of the functional body is provided in the manner of a separate shell element, which is connected to the functional body either with the help of mechanical connecting elements, such as stitching, riveting or the like, or solely by positive locking.

All of the covering variants described are preferably designed in such a way that the desired diffusion openness is guaranteed.

All of the covering variants described can be advantageously combined with one another in any way.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, all materials used for the packaging functional body and/or the inlay and/or the packaging are 100% natural and completely (or essentially completely biodegradable due to contamination of the fibers used).

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, these materials are also compostable, preferably completely compostable, in particular by industrial composting and/or by home composting. In other words, according to this embodiment, not only the functional bodies, but also the inlays having functional bodies and the packaging having functional bodies or inlays are compostable, preferably completely compostable. This means that these materials are biodegradable and will decompose completely within a set time frame and without leaving any environmentally harmful residues.

Preferably, only biodegradable and compostable materials are used to produce the functional packaging bodies according to the invention. No additional substances such as fire retardants or similar, in particular no artificial additives, are used.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging functional body according to the invention is designed as a self-supporting, dimensionally stable component. This applies in particular to functional bodies that are used as packaging inlays. When using functional bodies as filling material for container walls, dimensional stability can be dispensed with in favor of any flexibility and/or bendability of the functional bodies that may be required.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging functional body according to the invention is designed as a flat, cushioning plate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sheet goods are produced by first rolling out the fiber material into a mat before it is then heated, whereby the fibers stick together and the desired sheet shape results.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheet goods are produced by felting the fibers. The matting can be done wet or dry. The felting is preferably carried out mechanically or by machine.

As an alternative to the production of sheet goods, a packaging functional body produced by felting can also have almost any other shape, for example one on the desired inlay or shape adapted to the packaging.

A process is preferably used for felting in which the fibers are first felted and then the felted material is brought into the desired shape (plate shape or free form). Alternatively, a method is used in which the desired shape is first formed with the fibers before the fibers are then felted, in particular mechanical felting using a needle felting process.

Regardless of the way in which the functional bodies are manufactured, the fiber material used is particularly well suited for the purpose described here due to its shock-absorbing properties.

The parts required for the inlay can be cut from this plate material. In order to adapt the blank to the packaging containing the inlay and/or to the requirements of the goods, the edges of the blank can be shaped by heating in a subsequent step.

The functional packaging body according to the invention, especially when it is in sheet form, is suitable for cutting using a laser or another suitable cutting or separating agent, in particular also for shaping the number of functional packaging bodies later used for the inlay through individual cutouts and recesses.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a largely free shape of the packaging functional body is possible. This is preferably done by blowing loose natural plant fibers into a mold using a suitable blower in order to adapt the packaging functional body to the desired shape of the inlay or packaging in accordance with the requirements of the goods to be packaged.

These loose fibers are not matted fibers, but are not isolated either. The fibers are in a loose, randomly touching state. For example, the fiber material in bales is shredded and then blown dry into the mold. However, the fiber material can also be blown or injected wet into the mold.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the packaging functional body according to the invention is not designed as a plate, but as a container or as part of a container, for example as a fully formed inlay or inlay part or as a fully formed packaging or a fully formed packaging part. A largely free shape of the packaging functional body is possible. The container or container part preferably has a base and a number of side walls, these elements already being aligned with one another in their final shape and thus connected to one another. Preferably it is a ready-to-use container.

The functional body material used is preferably a moisture-containing functional body material provided with a binder, all materials mentioned in this description being usable. It is preferably a mixture of plant parts that are largely in raw form and an additional binder added to the plant parts. The plant parts are preferably hemp shives or straw, in particular barley or wheat straw in chopped or chopped form. The binder is preferably starch. The plant parts that have residual moisture and/or are moistened with a suitable liquid, preferably water, before use are provided with the binder, which is preferably in dry form, in particular in powder form, whereby the binder binds to the plant parts. For this purpose, the binding agent, if it is in dry form, is sprinkled over the plant parts. In this way, the binding agent is preferably evenly distributed over all parts of the plant and adheres to them. The plant parts are preferably covered, at least largely, by a starch film. At the same time, the moisture in the plant parts is at least partially bound.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this functional body material that can be used according to the invention is introduced into a form that serves as formwork, this form can have any shape that allows the functional body material to be received and held in the mold. Preferably, the functional body material is introduced loosely into the mold, in particular filled.

Preferably, the functional body material in the formwork is heated with the help of a microwave device with the evaporation of moisture, whereby the binding agent becomes an adhesive and connects the plant parts to one another to form the desired packaging functional body. Preferably, the functional packaging body formed in this way is then removed from the formwork.

Such production using microwaves has the advantage over drying in a conventional oven that not only is the radiation absorbed on the surface with subsequent heat conduction, but absorption takes place in the depth of the functional body material that has already been brought into its final shape by the mold . Due to this heating from the inside, there is an almost simultaneous, uniform evaporation of moisture from the functional body material over the entire functional body, so that the binder used, with which the plant parts are wetted, performs its function as an adhesive and glues the plant parts together, thereby forming the functional body is formed in a particularly uniform manner.

It is particularly advantageous in this context that the packaging functional body produced in this way in a mold can not only be designed as a plate, but also as a container or container part of essentially any shape.

In summary, the packaging functional bodies according to the invention as well as the inlays and packaging equipped with them can be produced in almost any shape and size.

Another advantage is the easy disposal options for the functional packaging bodies, inlays or packaging. All raw materials used are 100% natural. Due to their biodegradability, the products can be disposed of in the in-house compost or in the regional organic waste bin. The inlays can be separated manually and used as bedding for animal husbandry, for example. In particular, flax and comparable fibers obtained from plants have a high calorific value. This enables pollutant-free, climate-neutral energy recovery. The end user therefore has simple, environmentally friendly disposal options to choose from.

In summary, the packaging functional body according to the invention is suitable for providing packaging that is easy to dispose of, in particular compostable, environmentally friendly, ecologically advantageous, made of renewable and exclusively natural raw materials, open to diffusion, heat or cold insulating, shock-absorbing and thus protects the objects against damage, and can be shaped in almost any shape or to provide a packaging inlay that has these properties and is preferably provided with an integrated wrapping.

With the help of the invention, a compostable, environmentally friendly, ecologically beneficial and natural insulating and/or shipping packaging can be provided which is suitable for shipping almost any product that needs to be protected against shocks and vibrations and/or temperature fluctuations. For example, the functional packaging bodies according to the invention are suitable as secondary packaging for shipping food, animal feed, machine parts and the like.

With the help of the invention, universally designable, sustainable product packaging can be offered that replaces a variety of different plastic packaging in different industries and areas of application. The focus of the use of packaging can be on both shock absorption and thermal insulation, particularly in the storage and transport of refrigerated goods.

• 1 einen als Teil eines Inlays oder als Teil einer Verpackung verwendbaren Verpackungsfunktionskörper in Plattenform,
• 2 ein einteiliges Inlay für eine in sich geschlossenen Innenverkleidung eines Kartons,
• 3 ein zweiteiliges Inlay für eine in sich geschlossenen Innenverkleidung eines Kartons,
• 4 ein dreiteiliges Inlay für eine in sich geschlossenen Innenverkleidung eines Kartons,
• 5 ein sechsteiliges Inlay für eine in sich geschlossenen Innenverkleidung eines Kartons,
• 6 einen als Teil eines Inlays verwendbaren Verpackungsfunktionskörper mit gelaserten Ausschnitten,
• 7 ein zweiteiliges Freiform-Inlay in Schachtelform,
• 8 ein zweiteiliges Freiform-Inlay für den Versand von Flaschen,
• 9 einen mit einem Inlay aus 8 vorkonfektionierten Versandkarton,
• 10 einen Querschnitt durch einen Abschnitt eines Transportsacks mit doppelter Wandung,
• 11 einen Querschnitt durch einen Versandkarton mit doppelter Wandung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show here:

• 1 a functional packaging body in plate form that can be used as part of an inlay or as part of a packaging,
• 2 a one-piece inlay for a self-contained inner lining of a box,
• 3 a two-part inlay for a self-contained inner lining of a box,
• 4 a three-part inlay for a self-contained inner lining of a box,
• 5 a six-part inlay for a self-contained inner lining of a box,
• 6 a functional packaging body with laser-cut cutouts that can be used as part of an inlay,
• 7 a two-part free-form inlay in box shape,
• 8th a two-part freeform inlay for shipping bottles,
• 9 one with an inlay 8th pre-assembled shipping box,
• 10 a cross section through a section of a double-walled transport bag,
• 11 a cross section through a shipping box with double walls.

All figures do not show the invention to scale, but only schematically and only with its essential components. The same reference numbers correspond to elements with the same or comparable function.

A heat-insulating, vapor-permeable and shock-absorbing packaging functional body 1 is in 1 shown. The packaging functional body 1 consists exclusively of completely biodegradable, compostable material made from natural, renewable raw materials, namely from plant fiber material, here from digested flax fibers. No additional substances, such as fire retardants or similar, are added to the fiber material.

The fiber material is first rolled out into a mat. It is then heated, which causes the fibers to stick together and creates the desired plate shape. The sheet material produced in this way has a density of 32 kg/m ³ with a tolerance of ± 10%.

Alternatively, the packaging functional body 1 can be produced without the use of additional binders by mechanical felting using needles, the felted fiber material being brought into a plate shape.

From the sheet goods made in one way or another, the in 1 Functional body 1 shown can be cut out or punched out. The functional body 1 is then provided on all sides with a cohesive covering 2 by being coated with casein. Covering 2 is in 1 indicated by hatching. The coating is not shown in the remaining figures. The coating is carried out by spraying in such a way that approximately 96% of the surface of the packaging functional body 1 is coated. The functional bodies 1 produced in this way can be used to form one-part or multi-part flat, cushioning inlays 10 for packaging, as in the 2 until 6 shown.

The inlays 10 are designed in such a way that each inlay 10 forms a self-contained inner lining 13 of a shipping box 20. Each inlay 10 is formed from one or more functional bodies 1, which were manufactured as described above. The functional bodies 1 required for a specific inlay 10 are cut or punched out of the prefabricated sheet material and coated and then put together to form an individual functional body set. These sets are in the 2A until 5A pictured. In the 2 B until 5B the interior linings 13 resulting from the set are shown in a completely or partially completed state.

Each functional body 1 can be divided into several interconnected functional body sections 15, separated from each other with folds 14 or the like, which define the later folding or folding lines of the functional body 1 and simplify or enable folding or folding of the functional body 1.

This in 2 The one-piece folding inlay 10 shown for a self-contained inner lining of a box is formed by a single functional body 1, which is divided into six interrelated functional body sections 15.

This in 3 The two-part inlay 10 shown for a self-contained interior lining of a box is formed from two functional bodies 1, each of which is divided into three interrelated functional body sections 15.

This in 4 The three-part inlay 10 shown for a self-contained interior lining of a box is formed from three functional bodies 1, one of which is divided into four interconnected functional body sections 15, while the remaining two functional bodies only have a single functional body section 15.

This in 5 The six-part inlay 10 shown for a self-contained inner lining of a box is formed from six functional bodies 1, each of which has a single functional body section 15.

After felting, the fiber material can also be given a shape that deviates from the plate shape.

If flat inlays 10 with cutouts or recesses 19 are required, the plate goods can be processed using a suitable process before the covering 2 is applied, so that functional bodies 1 correspondingly provided with cutouts or recesses 19 result, as exemplified in 6 pictured.

The ones in the 7 and 8th Freeform inlays 11, 12 shown were manufactured in a different way. For this purpose, plant fiber material in the form of loose hemp fibers was blown into appropriate molds before a cohesive covering 2 made of casein was sprayed on all sides again. Before blowing in, a natural binder was added to the digested plant fibers used for this purpose, here a plant-based PLA support fiber made from corn starch.

The inlay 11 in the form of a box with a lid is formed from two correspondingly shaped functional bodies 1. The inlay 12, which is also formed from two correspondingly shaped functional bodies 1, serves to hold a bottle.

The inlays 10, 11, 12 formed in this way can be placed in packaging. Shows as an example 9 the arrangement of the inlay 10 in a shipping box 20 for the safe packaging of a product 3. The functional body that closes the inner packaging 13 at the top after the product 3 has been inserted is not shown.

A section of a double-walled transport bag 21 is in 10 shown in section. Uncoated functional bodies 1, which are in the form of thin, flexible plates, were introduced into a gap 25 in the bag wall 26. The material of the wall 26 is a woven jute fabric. The double wall 26 serves as a separate casing element for the functional body 1. The transport bag 21 can then be used to pack goods. For shipping, the transport bag 21 can also be placed in a shipping box 20 (not shown).

The in 11 Part of a shipping box 22 shown in section also has hollow walls 26, into which flat functional bodies 1, as described above, are inserted for shock absorption and thermal insulation.

In an embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the figures, the functional body material used is a mixture of plant parts, namely hemp shives, on the one hand, and potato or corn starch, which adheres evenly to the plant parts, on the other hand. For this purpose, starch powder was applied to the previously moist plant parts.

This loose mixture, which still contains moisture but is surface dry due to the added starch, is poured into a microwave-proof mold that serves as a formwork. In order to ensure that the mold is filled evenly and sufficiently completely, plant parts are used that do not exceed a certain length. The plant parts preferably have dimensions between 5 mm and 30 mm.

The functional body material is then heated in the mold using a microwave device, whereby the moisture contained in the functional body material, in particular the moisture contained in the plant parts or previously absorbed by the plant parts, evaporates, the starch adhering to the plant parts becomes glue and the plant parts adhere to one another connects to the desired packaging functional body. Depending on the performance of the microwave device, a duration of microwave treatment of just a few minutes is sufficient until the packaging functional body has a structural strength that allows demoulding. The exact duration of microwave drying depends, among other things, on the volume to be dried and/or the moisture content of the functional body material.

The packaging functional body produced in this way is then removed from the mold and dried if necessary and can be used as a container or container part, as an inlay part of an inlay or as a fully formed packaging or a fully formed packaging part.

The shorter the plant parts used for the functional body material, the finer body structures and smoother surfaces can be produced using the method described.

If there is a fear that the packaging functional body produced in this way will come into contact with moisture during its later use in such a way that the adhesive strength of the starch could be impaired, the packaging functional body can be provided with a moisture-tight or moisture-absorbing separating layer or covering.

All features presented in the description, the following claims and the drawings can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another.

These features or combinations of features can each constitute an independent invention, the use of which is expressly reserved.

When specifying a combination of features that defines an invention, individual features from the description of an exemplary embodiment do not necessarily have to be combined with one or more or all of the other features specified in the description of this exemplary embodiment; In this regard, every subcombination of features of one or more exemplary embodiments is expressly disclosed.

In addition, objective features of the device can be used reformulated as procedural features and procedural features can be used rephrased as objective features of the device. On Features reformulated in this way are implicitly revealed.

Reference symbol list

1

Packaging functional body

2

Wrapping, coating

3

Goods

10

Inlay with plate-shaped functional bodies

11

Box-shaped inlay

12

Inlay for bottle shipping

13

interior panelling

14

fold

15

functional body section

19

recess

20

Packaging, shipping box with single wall

21

Packaging, transport bag with double wall

22

Packaging, shipping box with double wall

25

space

26

Envelope, double wall, hollow wall

Claims (12)

Packaging functional body (1), which has heat-insulating and shock-absorbing properties and is preferably also open to diffusion, produced without the addition of artificial additives from completely or essentially completely degradable natural materials. Packaging functional body (1) after Claim 1 which is also compostable, preferably completely compostable, in particular by industrial composting and/or by home composting. Packaging functional body (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , made from a functional body material, which essentially exclusively comprises fiber material, namely animal fibers and / or digested vegetable fibers, and / or whole plants or their components, such as leaves, stems or stalks or parts thereof, which are largely in raw form. Packaging functional body (1) after Claim 3 , produced either without a binder by mechanically felting the functional body material or using a natural binder already contained in the functional body material or added to the functional body material. Packaging functional body (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , with an all-sided, cohesive covering (2) made of an essentially completely degradable, natural material, in particular in the form of a coating, or with a covering (26) designed as a separate covering element, in particular made of a natural fiber material or natural fiber network. Inlay (10, 11, 12) for a packaging (20, 21, 22), in particular an insulating and/or shipping packaging, with at least one packaging functional body (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 . Inlay (10, 11, 12) after Claim 6 , which is formed by at least one such packaging functional body (1). Packaging (20, 21, 22), in particular insulating and/or shipping packaging, with at least one inlay (10, 11, 12). Claim 6 or 7 . Packaging (20, 21, 22), in particular insulating and/or shipping packaging, with at least one functional packaging body (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 . Packaging (21, 22) according to Claim 9 , wherein the at least one packaging functional body (1), forming part of the packaging (21, 22), lies in a cavity (25) of a wall (26) of the packaging (21, 22). Method for producing a functional packaging body (1) which has heat-insulating and shock-absorbing properties and is preferably also open to diffusion, the functional packaging body being produced from essentially completely degradable natural materials without the addition of artificial additives. Procedure according to Claim 11 , with the following steps: - a functional body material provided with a binder and containing moisture is introduced into a formwork, - the functional body material is heated in the formwork using a microwave device with the evaporation of moisture, whereby the packaging functional body is formed, - The packaging functional body is removed from the formwork.

Images