Characterization of thermoformed and heat-sealed fibre-based materials : functionality and storage behaviour analysis

Abstract

This study examined the storage behaviour of thermoformed and heat-sealed fibre-based packaging materials, which are environmentally friendly. The study primarily evaluated the impact of humidity and temperature on the occurrence of curls in plastic-coated paperboard packages. The results showed that humidity has a more significant effect on curling than temperature, with higher humidity resulting in more curls. Skin-sealed packages experienced less curling than MAP-sealed packages, and the hanging hole in packages was found to be a significant factor in package deformation. The study recommended modifications to the mould geometry used for tray production, such as the presence of grooves and avoiding great corner radius, to reduce package deformation. Additionally, the study found that material properties, such as grammage and tensile stiffness, are key factors in package deformation. The findings can help improve the quality and longevity of fibre-based packaging materials and guide the design of sustainable packaging solutions.