WO2018033210A1

WO2018033210A1 - Method for manufacturing a molded article from pulp, molded article made of pulp, and apparatus for manufacturing such a molded article

Info

Publication number: WO2018033210A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/069614
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olaf Starken; Gian Armand Juliana De Belder; Wiebke VAN DER VEEN
Original assignee: Mayr Melnhof Karton AG
Current assignee: Mayr Melnhof Karton AG
Priority date: 2016-08-18
Filing date: 2016-08-18
Publication date: 2018-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-18

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded article (10) from pulp (72), wherein the article (10) comprises at least one article body (12), the method comprising at least the steps of: - introducing pulp (72) into a mold (22), wherein the mold (22) comprises at least two movable mold parts (24, 26) which, in an assembled condition (A), form at least one cavity (28) for forming said article body (12); - opening the mold (22) and introducing at least one parison (36) into the mold (22); - closing the mold (22); and - expanding the parison (36) by means of a fluid thereby pressing the pulp (72) against inner walls of the mold (22) and creating from the parison (36) an inner protective layer (42) of the molded article (10), the inner walls bounding said cavity (28).

Description

Method for Manufacturing a Molded Article from Pulp, Molded Article made of Pulp, and Apparatus for Manufacturing such a Molded Article Description

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded article from paper pulp. Moreover, the invention relates to a molded article made of pulp, and an apparatus for manufacturing such a molded article.

Pulp articles such as containers for containing liquids and/or solids are well-known in the art. In order to make these containers fit for purpose to contain liquids and/or solids (such as - but not limited to - liquid tightness, product packaging compatibility, etc.), they typically contain one or more inner coating(s) and/or an inner plastic bag(s) for containing the content (hybrid pack where plastic bag is contained in a pulp clamshell). Both methodologies involve more than one step. This invention aims to make pulp containers in an easier process, in particular in one process only, allowing to produce such articles at higher conversion speeds (and therefore in a more economical way).

Molded articles, such as, for example, bottles for containing mediums, in particular liquids and/or solids, are well-known from the prior art. For example, EP 2 524 876 B1 shows a blow molded article for containing at least 1 .5 liters of a detergent composition, the article comprising a body having a top and a bottom. The article further comprises an opening proximal to said top. Moreover, the article comprises a non-through holding means integrally located on at least one side of said body and positioned between said top and said bottom. The known blow molded articles are made of plastic resin material. The different types of plastic packaging might have several disadvantages associated with their raw materials and their recycling possibilities.

Moreover, US 4 846 359 A1 shows a multi-layered plastic bottle having a body and a through holding means formed by a handle element which, on both of its ends, is connected to the body thereby forming the through holding means as a closed through holding means.

Further, WO 2009/153558 A1 discloses a container made of pulp comprising a hollow shell including a dispensing aperture and a bag or liner provided within the hollow shell. Further, the container comprises a handle portion. The hollow shell includes two portions that are joined by an interconnecting hinge or web. When the hollow shell is in an open configuration, said two portions lay side by side. WO 2009/133355 A1 discloses a method of forming such a container.

A disadvantage of such known container is the fact, that there always remain lateral edges at the interconnecting zone between the two portions of the hollow shell. This leads to a poor visual appearance and a poor haptic appearance of the surface of the molded article.

In addition to a poor visual appearance (FMOT = First Moment Of Truth) and a poor handle-ability (SMOT = Second Moment Of Truth), the consumer is requested to separate the inner plastic bag from the connected paper pulp halves to allow proper disposal/recycling. This additional step might be perceived by consumers as a real hassle that could complicate proper recycling of this hybrid pack and is not a key enabler to further motivate consumers to recycle packs. To guarantee Circular Economies in the future, consumers' lives should be made as easy as possible, e.g. just dispose in the collection bin, without further request to dismantle hybrid packages. In a first attempt to improve the visual appearance of a container, WO 2012/139590 A1 discloses an apparatus for producing a container defining a container geometry, the apparatus comprising a frame comprising a base supporting at least one mold, the mold including an opening, a pulp material feeding device configured to reciprocally enter the mold via the opening, a pulp reservoir in communication with the pulp material feeding device, the pulp reservoir configured to hold a pulp material, a pulp pressure reservoir configured to provide pressure so as to deliver the pulp material from the pulp reservoir via the pulp material feeding device to the at least one mold, an expandable device configured to be inserted into the at least one mold via the opening, wherein the expandable device have a geometry corresponding to the container geometry. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a molded article from pulp, such a molded article made of pulp, and an apparatus for manufacturing such a molded article so that both a particularly advantageous visual appearance and a particularly advantageous haptic appearance of the molded article can be realized in a particularly easy way. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a molded article from pulp which is able to more easily produce pulp molded articles with a more complex contour. These objectives are solved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 , a molded article having the features of patent claim 1 1 and an apparatus having the features of patent claim 17. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims. A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a molded article from pulp, wherein the article comprises at least one article body. In said method, at least the article body is made of said pulp. The method according to the present invention comprises a first method step of introducing pulp into a mold, wherein the mold comprises at least two movable mold parts which, in an assembled condition, form at least one cavity for forming said article body. Thus, for example, the pulp is introduced into the cavity so as to form the article body by means of the cavity and manufacture at least the article body from said pulp.

The method according to the present invention comprises a second method step of opening the mold and introducing at least one parison into the mold. In other words, the parison is introduced into the mold, in particular into the cavity, when the mold is open. For example, the mold is opened by moving the mold parts away from each other. A parison can be obtained by classical methodologies such as extrusion blow molding (as referred in Rosato's handbook on blow molding; ISBN:9781569903438 ) where plastic(s) are molten by means of an extruder and turned into a molten tube by means of a head tooling system installed at the end of the extruder. Proper choice of head tooling provides flexibility in parison characteristics such as - but not limited to - wall thicknesses. Both shuttle and wheel types of blow molding machinery are to be considered. Other means of producing parisons exist. Of particular interest is the formation of a parison by starting off with plastic film rolls. The parison's thickness can be tailored by a proper thickness selection of the started film. Preferably, plastics contained in the parison are potentially providing issues during paper recycling (such as polyolefins) are limited to five percent by weight to so that the molded article can be recycled in a particularly advantageous way.

Important to note is that the plastic film thickness might have a critical role to develop a fully-recyclable packaging. Pending the plastic material, it might be favorable to increase thickness in those cases where the plastic material is fully compatible with paper recycling streams e.g. biodegradable plastics such as - but not limited to - those that degrade in the paper recycling process, whereas in other cases the thickness of the plastic film has to be limited to ensure recyclability of the pulp containers in the paper streams e.g. using standard plastics such as - but not limited to - polyolef in-based materials, polyesters and derivatives thereof. Both petrol based, renewable plastics as recycled plastics can be used for the invention.

Also, by means of the method according to the present invention, the molded article can be realized as a liquid-tight container only by introducing an inner bag in the form of the parison which can be made out of plastic. The parison can be made out of plastic but can be produced in a very thin manner. Furthermore, the molded article can be produced by a one-step-approach versus a two-step-approach conventionally needed so that the molded article can be manufactured particularly easily and, thus, in a time- and cost-effective way.

Preferably, after introducing the pulp into the mold, the pulp is dewatered and, thus, dried at least partially, in particular before the parison is introduced into the mold. For example, the pulp contained in the mold is dewatered or dried by means of at least one pressing tool, having, for example, a male mold part which can be introduced into the mold, in particular a female mold part thereby compressing and, thus, dewatering the pulp. Alternatively or additionally, the pulp contained in the mold is heated and, thus, dewatered or dried, in particular before the parison is introduced into the mold. For example, the parison is configured as a plastic parison. The parison can either be a monolayer (e.g. same material) parison, a multi-layer (several layers of different plastic materials) parison and/or comprises a blend of materials. This flexibility allows to tailor the parison according the product needs (such as but not limited to product packaging compatibility requirements including perfume loss, O2, H2O, CO2 losses/ingress into packaging, etc.).

For example, the parison is made of at least one plastic film sheet which, for example, is formed by means of a forming shoulder. For example, the plastic film sheet has edges which are welded together to form, for example, a film roll, a film tube or said parison. For example, said plastic film sheet is rolled off a role.

The method according to the present invention comprises a third method step of closing the mold. For example, the mold is closed by moving the mold parts towards each other. For example, by closing the mold the parison is closed at least partially in such a way that the parison encloses a volume. In the following, the parison is also referred to as an inner element. Thus, said inner element comprises at least the parison. Preferably, after the step of introducing the pulp into the mold, preferably after closing the mold, and before expanding, in particular inflating the inner element, the pulp contained in the mold is dewatered and/or dried.

The method according to the present invention comprises a fourth method step of expanding the inner element (parison) by a fluid which is, for example, a gas such as air, in particular compressed air. This step is typically conducted by introduction of a blow pin into the inner element, in particular after cutting the inner element at the end of the third step, as clearly described in Rosato's handbook on blow molding ; ISBN:9781569903438).

The inner element is expanded by, for example, introducing said fluid into said volume. By expanding the inner element the pulp contained in the mold, in particular in the cavity, is pressed or compressed against inner walls of the mold. For example, by compressing the pulp the pulp is dewatered and, thus, dried, at least partially. In other words, for example, the inner element is inflated so as to compress and dewater and/or dry the pulp. For example, the pulp is dewatered and/or dried by means of said fluid by means of which the inner element is inflated in such a way that the fluid is introduced into the inner element. Preferably, the fluid is heated, wherein the heated fluid is introduced into the inner element so as to inflate the inner element being an expandable device, in particular an inflatable device. Thus, for example, the pulp is dewatered and/or dried by means of the heated fluid. For example, the inner element (parison) is non-permeable or permeable. If the inner element is permeable, the heated fluid can flow through the inner element and into and/or through the pulp so as to dewater and/or dry the pulp. In other words, said heated fluid can be pressed into the pulp so as to drive out water from the pulp. Alternatively or additionally, the mold can be permeable so that a fluid for drying the pulp and/or water from the pulp can flow through the mold. Moreover, for example, water from the pulp can flow through and into the inner element. For example, said inner walls of the mold form or bound said cavity, wherein the pulp contained in the mold, in particular in the cavity, is pressed against the walls thereby compressing and/or dewatering the pulp. Moreover, in the fourth method step, an inner protective layer of the molded article is created from the inner element (parison). This means, for example, after manufacturing the molded article, the parison remains in the molded article so that the inner element (parison) is a part of the completely manufactured article body.

Preferably, the inner element, i.e. the parison is very thin. Moreover, the inner element can be made of a biodegradable plastic. Since, preferably, the inner element can be very thin, material usage can be kept particularly low. For example, the ratio between the pulp, in particular its mass, and the wall thickness of the inner body can be tailored in order to ensure recyclability of the total article body, e.g. compatible with the paper recycling streams. By means of the method according to the present invention both a particularly advantageous visual appearance and a particularly advantageous feel, in particular surface feel, can be realized since ridges and edges impairing the visual appearance and the feel of the molded article can be avoided. Usually, conventional molded articles made of pulp and formed by at least two hollow shells connected with each other have ridges and/or edges which result from respective methods for manufacturing said conventional molded articles. Such ridges and edges impair both the visual appearance and the feel of the respective conventional molded article. Since, according to the present invention, the article body is made of pulp material in the described manner ridges and edges can be avoided.

With respect to a conventional molded article made of pulp a person grasping and, thus, touching the conventional molded article, in particular the article body, can feel edges resulting from a method for manufacturing the conventional molded article. Thus, the surface feel of the conventional molded article is impaired by said edges. This problem can be avoided by means of the method according to the present invention. Thereby, both a particularly good first moment of truth and second moment of truth can be realized. For example, the molded article is a consumer good and/or product or configured to contain at least one consumer good and/or product. Since, by means of the method according to the present invention, ridges and edges impairing the visual appearance and the surface feel of the article can be avoided, both an excellent first moment of truth and an excellent second moment of truth can be realized. Moreover, the molded article manufactured by the method according to the present invention can be handled, i.e. moved particularly easily since the molded article can have holding means which can be grasped by a person.

Preferably, the molded article is a container such as a bottle, said container being configured to contain a medium, in particular a solid and/or a liquid. For example, said liquid can be water, a detergent composition or a different liquid. Preferably, said medium is a consumer good which can be stored in the article. For example, the molded article has a capacity of at least 25 milliliters, in particular at least 0.5 liter and preferably at least 1 .5 liters, for storing said medium. For example, said solid can be a powder or a product comprising, for example, granulate and/or solid beads. The medium be in any physical form including solid, liquid, gel or paste.

Moreover, by means of the method according to the present invention, an ergonomic and sensorial advantage over conventional molded articles can be realized since particularly advantageous sensorial elements or features such as softness, appearance etc. can be realized. Furthermore, the method allows to use renewable and secondary raw materials, e.g. recycled material to manufacture the molded article. Further advantages are: providing easier end-of-life options (mono-component package to allow easy recycling, biodegradable packages pending final composition, etc.), and enabling the consumer benefit of an easier handling of large containers by means of holding means which can be made of advantageous raw material which is easy to recycle.

Preferably, the molded article, in particular said article body, comprises at least one receiving space for receiving or containing said medium. Since said inner element remains in the article body, at least a portion, in particular at least a major portion, of said receiving space is bounded by the inner element. In other words, said receiving space is bounded at least partially by the inner element. Preferably, the receiving space is completely bounded by said inner element. Thus, in a state in which said medium is contained in the receiving space, the inner element is arranged between the medium and the pulp so that the medium cannot come into direct contact with the pulp. Thus, the pulp is protected from the medium by means of said inner element. Thus, the inner element forms said inner protective layer protecting the pulp from a direct contact with the medium. Since the inner element is used to form the pulp, the inner element can be integrated into the article body in a particularly time- and cost- effective way.

Advantageously, in the method according to the present invention, the protective inner layer acting as a barrier can be realized by a one-step-approach in comparison with a conventional complex and costly offline process or two- or multiple-step-approach. For example, different plastic types can be used for the parison for different barrier requirements. For example, the protection provided by the inner element is used or required to avoid product - packaging interactions and to provide enough barrier against the surrounding atmosphere: ingredient (such as perfume and others) losses, H2O, CO2, O2 losses or ingress, etc. Thus, moreover, a product contained in the receiving space can be protected from the environment or environmental influences by means of the inner element.

In order to protect the pulp particularly advantageously from the medium and/or to protect the medium from its surroundings, in particular environmental influences, the inner element is preferably made of at least one plastic material. For example, the parison can comprise one layer only or a plurality of layers which are, for example, made of different kinds of plastics. Thus, the parison can comprise a multi-layer and/or blend system comprising at least two different plastic materials. Moreover, the inner element can be used as a forming means to press the pulp against the inner walls of the mold and compress the pulp. Thus, at least one wall is manufactured from the pulp, wherein said wall manufactured from the pulp forms the article body and, for example, the receiving space. By means of the inner element an at least substantially even wall thickness of said wall manufactured from the pulp can be realized so that the weight and the costs of the molded article can be kept particularly low. Moreover, the molded article can be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective way since the molded article can be manufactured in one step rather than multiple steps.

For example, the molded article is pulp based and can comprise at least one plastic material, in particular a standard plastic material, wherein, for example, the non-pulp material in the molded article is limited to 5% at the most with respect to the overall material used to manufacture the molded article to ensure recycle-ability.

Preferably, within the scope of the present invention, said pulp can be a pulp slurry. For example, said pulp is configured as or comprises a paper pulp being, for example, a lignocellulosic fibrous material prepared by, for example, chemically and/or mechanically separating cellulose fibers from wood, fiber crops or paper, in particular waste paper.

Alternatively or additionally, the pulp is configured as or comprises starch or foamed starch. For example, a particularly low roughness of the article's surface can be realized by means of the method according to the present invention, wherein, for example, the roughness is in a range from 0.5 micrometer to 20 micrometers. Thus, a particularly good feel and visual appearance can be realized.

Alternatively or additionally, the pulp can comprises fibers or fiber solids such as, e.g. natural fibers, natural bamboo fibers and/or straw fibers and/or coconut fibers and/or synthetic fibers such as plastic fibers and/or treated fibers and/or untreated fibers and/or nano-cellulose. For example, said treated fibers are fibers which are treated in such a way so that said treated fibers are waterproof and/or water-resistant. Preferably, the pulp is a fibrous pulp comprising at least one of the afore-mentioned kinds of fibers. Furthermore, the pulp can comprise at least one or a plurality of additives.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pulp is sprayed into the mold, in particular into the cavity for forming the article body. Thereby, the pulp can be distributed particularly equally within the mold and an at least substantially equal wall thickness of the molded article, in particular the article body, can be realized. Moreover, the amount of pulp needed for manufacturing the molded article can be kept low. Moreover, shorter drying times and, thus, faster production cycles can be realized. For example, the amount of pulp is linked to the selected inner element (parison) thickness in order to obtain a pre-selected article wall thickness.

For example, the inner element is made of or comprises at least one film sheet, in particular at least one plastic film sheet, the film sheet being formed by means of at least one forming element and welded together at edges to form a film roll or a film tube or a parison, in particular before introducing the parison into the mold.

For coating inner walls of the pulp particularly advantageously, in a further embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a method step of providing at least one reservoir containing at least one plastic material, wherein, from the plastic material, the parison is created while introducing the parison into the mold. Preferably, the parison is created from the plastic by extruding. For example, the parison is made by an extruder melting the plastic material. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two wall portions of the inner element are connected and sealed with each other by heating and melting the wall portions with each other. Thus, said volume of the inner element can be sealed so that the inner element can be expanded thereby pressing the pulp against the inner walls of the mold. Alternatively, the parison is already produced as a tube so that there is no need to create a tube after extrusion and before entering the mold.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention a gas such as air, in particular compressed air, is used as the fluid. In order to realize a particularly advantageous feel and/or handling of the molded article, in a further embodiment of the invention, the mold comprises at least one second cavity for forming at least one holding means to said article body within the mold. For example, said holding means is a handle or grip by means of which the molded article can be handled by a person. In this regard, for example, the person can grasp the holding means by means of at least one hand so that the person can move the molded article via the holding means. Preferably, the holding means is made of pulp, wherein, for example, the holding means and the article body can be formed in one piece.

For example, the holding means comprises an insertion direction in which a person can insert at least one of their fingers or thumb into the holding means so as to grasp the holding means. In this regard, the holding means can be configured as a through holding means which is also referred to as an open handle, open grip or through handle. Being a through handle the holding means is not limited in said insertion direction so that, for example, the through holding means comprises at least one through opening or gripping aperture through which a person can put at least one of their fingers. Thus, for example, the holding means can be grasped all around with respect to the circumferential direction of the holding means. Thus, the term "through handle" or "open handle" refers to any handle through which a person can put one or more fingers to allow an easy handling hence improving convenience during SMOT (in-use phase).

Alternatively, the holding means can be configured as a non-through holding means which is also referred to as a closed handle or closed grip. Such a non-through holding means is limited in the insertion direction by, for example, at least one wall of the molded article. For example, the non-through holding means comprises opposing depressions or receptacles which are arranged on both sides of said wall. In other words, the opposing depressions or receptacles are separated from one another by the wall so that the holding means is configured as a non-through holding means. In a through holding means said wall is not present thereby forming a completely open space through which fingers and/or a thumb can be inserted.

Moreover, the open or through holding means can be completely closed in its longitudinal extension so that, for example, at least one handle element of the holding means is connected to the article body at both ends. Such an open handle is, for example, also referred to as a two-side connected open handle. Alternatively, the through or open holding means can be open with respect to its longitudinal extension so that a first end of said handle element is connected to the article body and the other end of the handle element is arranged at a distance from the article body. Such an open handle is also referred to as a one-side connected open handle.

By means of the holding means the consumer benefit of a particularly easy handling of the molded article can be realized, especially when the molded article is a large container, wherein the molded article can be made of an advantageous raw material which is easy to recycle.

For example, the pulp is introduced, in particular sprayed into the mold while the mold is open so as to reach respective areas of the mold, said areas being used to form the holding means. Preferably, after introducing the pulp into the mold and before introducing the inner element into the mold, the pulp contained in the mold is dewatered or dried. For example, the pulp is dewatered by pressing or compressing the pulp contained in the mold. Thus, a particularly thin inner element, in particular parison, can be used and a high variety of plastic types for the inner element, in particular the parison can be realized since there is no need to use the parison to dry the pulp so that, for example, the parison does not need to be heated. For example, the inner element (parison) can hold at least two parts of the article body together in respective sealing areas, said parts being made of the pulp and/or formed by the mold. Moreover, for example, a heavier tool and/or a high compression can be applied when the mold is open.

Furthermore, for example, the pulp is only sprayed in non-seal areas (including but not limited to seal areas in the article body, the area of the holding means, etc.). Moreover, for example, the holding means can be formed by a recess in the mold thereby forming the holding means as a small grip feature. Additionally or alternatively, at least one boxing mold in which the grip area is somewhat deeper can be used. A further advantage of this invention over the prior art is that secondary operations to make the molded article liquid-tight can be avoided so that the molded article can be manufactured in a particularly time- and cost-effective way. In order to realize a particularly high stiffness of the holding means, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second cavity is filled with a prefabricated component forming the holding means or at least one part of the holding means, wherein the prefabricated component is connected to the article body, i.e. the pulp forming the article body. For example, the pre-fabricated holding means can be made (but not necessary) of the same material as the article body. In the above cases, the handle can be hollow or solid. For example, the prefabricated component can be made of paper, plastics, rubber, etc. or a combination thereof. Preferably, said holding means, in particular the prefabricated component, is manufactured from paper pulp for environmental and recycling advantages.

In order to realize a particularly advantageous visual appearance and surface feel of the molded article, in a further embodiment of the invention, the holding means is manufactured from pulp and/or plastics.

For example, the holding means can be, at least in a portion, hollow, so that the holding means is configured as a hollow component. Thus, for example, the holding means has at least one second receiving space for receiving at least a portion of said medium. Thus, the medium can be stored both in the first receiving space, i.e. in the article body and in the holding means. Preferably, the receiving space of the holding means is fluidically connected to the receiving space of the article body so that the molded article can be filled with the medium in a particularly easy way. For example, pulp for forming the holding means can be formed, in particular compressed and/or dewatered, by means of the inner element and/or a further inner element (parison), wherein, for example, the holding means formed by said inner element is hollow.

Preferably, the article body is integrally formed, i.e. made in one piece. In other words, the term "integrally formed" means that the article body is formed as one piece, preferably in one production step.

For example, the pulp contained in the mold can be dried by heating the inner element which, for example, is heated by introducing the heated fluid into the inner element thereby inflating the inner element. For example, the pulp can be dried in a component being different from the mold, wherein said component can be an oven. For example, the pulp can be dried completely, wherein, for example, the pulp is completely dried in an external oven which is different from the mold. In a preferred embodiment, the pulp, in particular the article is dried by using fast drying methods such as (but not limited to) impulse drying and/or radiation technologies including microwave and UV (ultraviolet radiation) and/or by applying at least partially a vacuum to an outer part of a permeable mold thereby removing fluid from the pulp. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a molded article made of pulp, wherein the molded article is manufactured by a method according to the present invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa. The inventive molded article has a particularly advantageous visual appearance and a particularly advantageous feel and/or ergonomics, in particular surface feel, since there are no ridges and edges impairing the visual appearance and the feel of the molded article as at least the article body is integrally formed. Usually, conventional molded articles made of pulp have ridges and/or edges which limit ergonomics result from respective methods for manufacturing said conventional molded articles. Such ridges and edges impair both the visual appearance and the feel of the respective conventional molded article. Since, preferably, at least the article body and/or the holding means are integrally formed such ridges and edges can be avoided. Further, the use of a renewable, biodegradable and/or recyclable raw material, namely pulp or paper pulp, is particularly advantageous compared to other raw materials like plastics or hybrid packs. With respect to the molded article according to the present invention, the molded article having the article body and the holding means, there is no need to separate a plastic pouch from a pulp shell for recycling purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the molded article comprises at least one holding means. Preferably, the holding means is made of pulp. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding means is through holding means or a non- through holding means. Moreover, preferably, the holding means comprises an at least partially hollow and/or massive form. Alternatively or additionally, the holding means comprises an at least partially structured gripping surface. Examples for suitable holding means are disclosed for example in EP 2 524 876 B1 and US 4 846 359 A1 . Further improvements in aesthetics and softness can be achieved through proper selected pulp raw materials and/or additives.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a molded article made of pulp, said apparatus being used in a method according to the present invention. Therein, the apparatus comprises at least one mold having at least two movable mold parts, which, in an assembled condition, form at least one cavity for forming said article body. Preferably, the article body is integrally formed.

In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises means for introducing a parison (inner element) into the mold, in particular into the cavity, in an open condition of the mold. Moreover, the apparatus preferably comprises means for inflating or expanding said parison in a closed condition of the mold. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspect of the present invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respective indicated combination but also in any other combination are taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawings show in:

Fig. 1 a schematic view of a first embodiment of an inventive method for

manufacturing a molded article from pulp, wherein the article comprises at least one article body which is manufactured by means of an inner element being a parison; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a second embodiment of the inventive method; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a third embodiment of the inventive method;

Fig. 4 a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the molded article is equipped with a holding means;

Fig. 5 a schematic front view of a first embodiment of the molded article according to the invention;

Fig. 6 a schematic front view of a second embodiment of the molded article

according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic front view of a third embodiment of the molded article

according to the invention;

Fig. 8 a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the method according to the

invention;

Fig. 9 a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of the method according to the invention;

Fig. 10 a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of the method according to the invention;

Fig. 1 1 a schematic front view of a fourth embodiment of the molded article

according to the invention; and Fig. 12 a schematic view of an eighth embodiment of the method according to the invention.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. Fig. 1 shows in a schematic view a first embodiment of a method for manufacturing a molded article 10 (see Figs. 5 to 7, 1 1 and 12) from pulp 72. In other words, at least a portion of the molded article 10 is made of pulp so that the molded article 10 is a pulp molded article. As can be seen from Figs. 5 to 7, 1 1 and 12 the molded article 10 is a container in the form of a bottle comprising at least one receiving space for receiving or storing a medium, in particular a solid and/ or a liquid. For example, the molded article 10 has a capacity of at least 25 milliliters, in particular of at least 0.5 liters and preferably of at least 1 .5 liters, for storing said medium. The molded article 10 comprises at least one article body 12. Moreover, optionally, the molded article 10 comprises at least one holding means 14 connected to the article body 12. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the molded article 10 does not comprise the holding means 14. For example, the article body 12 and the holding means 14 are configured as separate components which are connected with each other. Preferably, both the article body 12 and the holding means 14 are made of pulp. Moreover, preferably, the article body 12 is integrally formed. Furthermore, preferably, the article 10 is integrally formed, wherein the article body 12 and the holding means 14 are formed in one piece. For example, said the pulp 72 is a slurry which is also referred to as a pulp slurry. For example, said pulp 72 is or comprises a paper pulp being, for example, a lignocellulosic fibrous material prepared by, for example, chemically and/or mechanically separating cellulosic fibers from wood, fiber crops or paper, in particular waste paper. For example, the paper slurry contains at least pulp fiber having an average fiber length of 0.4 to 8.0 millimeters (mm), preferably 0.4 to 4.0 mm. Moreover, the pulp can contain further fibers such as, for example, nano-fibers which are shorter. The pulp is a fibrous pulp comprising fibers. For example, the pulp comprises synthetic fibers and/or natural fibers. The pulp can comprise cellulose fibers and/or plastic fibers and/or coconut fibers and/or bamboo fibers and/or treated fibers and/or untreated fibers and/or nano-cellulose and potentially at least one or a plurality of additives such as starch.

For example, the article body 12 comprises or bounds said receiving space for containing said medium. Alternatively or additionally, the holding means 14 comprises or bounds a second receiving space for storing a medium, in particular a liquid and/or a solid. Preferably, when both the article body 12 and the holding means 14 comprise or bound at least one receiving space respectively, the receiving spaces are fluidically connected with each other.

The article body 12 comprises at least one inlet 16 having at least one inlet opening which cannot be seen in the figures. Said inlet opening opens into said receiving space bound by the article body 12 so that said receiving space can be filled with said medium via said inlet opening. A cap 18 is connected to the inlet 16 so that said inlet opening is closed by the cap 18. The cap is reversibly connected to the inlet 16 which means that the cap 18 can be attached to and detached from the inlet 16 in a nondestructive way so that the inlet opening can be closed an opened by the cap 18 in a need-manner. As can be seen from Fig. 1 , a tool 20 is used from manufacturing the molded article 10. For example, the tool 20 is or forms or is part of an apparatus from manufacturing the molded article 10, wherein said apparatus is used in said method. The tool 20 comprises at least one mold 22 comprising at least two movable mold parts 24 and 26 which are also referred to as tool elements. In an assembled condition of the mold 22, in particular the mold parts 24 and 26, the mold parts 24 and 26 form at least one cavity 28 for forming the article body 12. Said assembled condition is shown in Fig. 1 and indicated by A. In the assembled condition A, the mold 22 is closed. This means the mold parts 24 and 26 are closed. In a first method step S1 said pulp 72 from which at least the article body is manufactured is introduced into the mold 22, in particular into the cavity 28. As can be seen from Fig. 1 , in the first method step S1 , the pulp 72 is sprayed into the mold 22, in particular into the cavity 28. For spraying the pulp 72 into the mold 22, in particular into the cavity 28, at least one injection lance 30 is used. For example, the injection lance 30 is fluidically connected to a pulp source (not shown). The injection lance 30 is at least partially introduced into the mold 22, in particular the cavity 28. The injection lance 30 has at least one or a plurality of outlet openings through which, in particular by means of a fluid, in particular a gas such as compressed air, the pulp 72 for forming the article body 12 is sprayed out of the injection lance 30. For example, the pulp 72 for forming the article body 12 flows through the injection lance 30 and its outlet opening(s) so that the pulp 72 can leave the injection lance 30. Thus, the pulp 72 is sprayed against first walls of the mold 22 by means of said fluid and the injection lance 30, wherein said first walls of the mold 22 bound or form the cavity 28 at least partially. Preferably, the injection lance 30 is rotated about at least one rotation axis in relation to the mold 24, in particular whilst spraying the pulp 72 into the mold 24, in particular into the cavity 28. For example, said rotation axis coincides with or extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the injection lance 30. For example, in the assembled condition A, the mold parts 24 and 26 and, thus, the mold 22 are closed so that the mold 22 is in a closed condition. The pulp 72 is sprayed into the cavity 28 while the mold 22 is in its closed condition. For example, at least a portion of the mold 22 is evacuated or set under a vacuum so that the pulp 72 is sticking more easily to the mold 22, in particular to inner walls of the mold 22, and so that the pulp 72 can be dewatered, said inner walls bounding the cavity 28. Preferably, the mold 22 comprises or is made of a permeable material through which the moisture from the pulp 72 can escape or, in particular by means of the vacuum, withdrawn as illustrated by arrows in Fig. 1 , step S1 . Preferably, the mold 22 is permeable or made of a permeable material so that moisture can be sucked out of the pulp 72 by means of the vacuum as illustrated by arrows pointing to the outside of the mold 22 in Fig. 1 , step S1 In a second method step S2 the mold 22 is opened. For example, the mold 22 is opened by opening the mold parts 24 and 26. In other words, the mold 22 is opened by moving the mold parts 24 and 26 away from each other as illustrated by arrows 32. Thus, the mold parts 24 and 26 form or bound a passage 34. Moreover, in the second method step S2, an inner element in the form of a parison 36 is introduced into the mold 22, in particular into the cavity 28. The parison 36 is made of a plastic material so that the parison 36 is also referred to as a plastic parison. As can be seen from Fig. 1 , for example, the parison 36 is inserted into the mold 22 in such a way that at least a portion of the parison 36 is arranged in the passage 34. In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the parison 36 can extend through the passage 34. In a third method step S3 the mold 22 is closed by moving the mold parts 24 and 26 towards each other as illustrated by arrows 38. Since at least a portion of the parison 36 is arranged in the passage 34, opposing wall portions 33 or wall areas of the parison 36 are arranged in the passage 34. By closing the mold 22 said wall portions 33 arranged in the passage 34 are connected and sealed with each other. Preferably, said wall portions arranged in the passage 34 are connected and sealed with each other by heating and melting said wall portions with each other. Moreover, by closing the mold 22, the mold parts 24 and 26 form the cavity 28. Furthermore, by connecting and sealing said wall portions of the parison 36, the parison 36 forms or bounds a volume 40 arranged at least partially in the cavity 28. For example, the parison 36 is made by extruding, wherein the parison is made of a plastic material which is molten and extruded. The plastic material of the parison 36 forms the wall portions 33. In the third step S3 the mold 22 is closed in a state in which the plastic of the parison 36 and, thus, the parison 36 itself are still warm and, thus, easily deformable. Hence, the wall portions 33 can be pressed together by closing the mold 22 thereby connecting and sealing the wall portions 22. Moreover, for example, the parison 36 already is or forms a tube so that there is no need to heat or melt or seal wall portions. In a fourth method step S4, the plastic parison (parison 36) is expanded by a fluid such as, for example, a gas. In the first embodiment, air, in particular compressed air, is used as said gas so that the parison 36 arranged in the cavity 28 is inflated and, thus, expanded by means of air. The parison 36 is expanded in the closed condition of the mold 22. The parison 36 is expanded by introducing said fluid into the volume 40. Preferably, the fluid is introduced into the volume 40 and, thus, into the parison 36 in a state in which the plastic of the parison 36 and, thus, the parison 36 itself, are still warm so that the parison 36 can be deformed, in particular expanded, particularly easily by introducing the fluid into the parison 36. By expanding the parison 36 the pulp 72 arranged in the cavity 28 is pressed against said first walls being inner walls of the mold 22. Preferably, the inflated and, thus, blown parison 36 is not only used to press the pulp 72 against the inner walls of the mold 22 but is also to dewater the pulp 72 to enable faster drying. Potentially, since the parison 36 is inflated and, thus, expanded while the parison 36 is still heated or warm, heat of the parison or its plastic can influence the drying time positively.

Moreover, from the parison 36 arranged in the cavity 28 an inner protective layer 42 of the molded article 10 is created. In other words, the expanded inner element (parison 36) forms said inner protective layer 42 bounding said receiving space of the article body 12. Thus, in a state in which said medium is contained in the receiving space of the article body 12, the inner protective layer 42 is arranged between the medium and the pulp 72 forming the article body 12 so that the pulp 72 forming the article body 12 is protected from the medium by means of the inner protective layer 42.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 , a reservoir 44 containing at least one plastic material 46 is provided. From the plastic material 46, the parison 36 is created while introducing the parison 36 into the mold 22. Preferably, the parison 36 is created from the plastic material 46 by extruding, so that, for example, the reservoir 44 is part of an extruder by means of which the parison 36 is created and introduced into the mold 22 in such a way that the plastic material 46 is heated and, thus, molten and extruded by means of the extruder. Said apparatus further comprises a blow pin 48 by means of which the parison 36 is expanded. Once the parison 36 inside the mold 22, the blow pin 48 is introduced into the parison 36. Said fluid for expanding the parison 36 can flow through and out of the blow pin 48 so that the parison 36 can be inflated and, thus, expanded. For example, the blow pin 48 is fluidically connected to a fluid source (not shown). For example, the blow pin can be used to form an inlet of the molded article 10 in a precise way, potentially from pulp but if required also from plastic.

For example, by introducing the parison 36 into the mold 22 a production of said holding means 14 being also referred to as a handle can be realized. For example, by expanding the parison 36, at least a portion of the pulp 72 contained in the cavity 28 is pressed against at least a portion of the pulp in a second cavity 54 (Fig. 4) by means of which the holding means 14 can be formed. For example, in a further or last stage or method step, remaining flash (neck part and/or bottom part and/or handle part) is removed by a deflashing station as clearly described in Rosato's handbook on blow molding ; ISBN:9781569903438. In a preferred embodiment, seal areas (bottom and handle areas) are preferably not sprayed with pulp, in order to guarantee leak free containers.

For example, after expanding the parison 36, in particular after the fourth method step S4, the mold parts 24 and 26 are moved away from each other to release the molded article 10 from the mold 22.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the method. The method according to the second embodiment comprises a first method step S1 which corresponds to or is identical with the first method step S1 of the first embodiment. In a second method step, the pulp 72 contained in the mold 22 is dewatered and, thus, dried at least partially, in particular completely, after introducing the pulp 72 into the mold 22 and before introducing the parison 36 into the mold 22. For example, in the second method step S2, the pulp 72 contained in the mold 22 is dewatered by means of at least one compression element by means of which the pulp 72 is compressed or pressed against the inner walls of the mold 22. Alternatively or additionally, in the second method step S2, the pulp 72 contained in the mold 22 is dewatered by heating and, thus, drying the pulp 72. Moreover, in the second method step S2, the pulp 72 contained in the mold 22 is, for example, dewatered by means of a vacuum applied to at least a portion of the mold 22. For example, said compressing element is brought into contact with the pulp 72 contained in the mold 22 thereby pressing or compressing the pulp 72. Alternatively or additionally, the pulp 72 is heated by heating the compressing element. For this purpose, for example, a heated fluid is introduced into the compressing element. Furthermore, the compressing element can be introduced into the mold 22 and expanded by inflating the compression element by means of said thereby pressing or compressing the pulp 72. Preferably, the compression element is expanded when the mold 22 is closed.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the method. The third embodiment comprises a first method step S1 which, for example, corresponds to the first method step S1 of the first embodiment. In a second method step S2 of the second embodiment, the parison 36 is introduced into the mold 22, wherein the parison 36 comprises or is made of at least one plastic film or plastic film sheet. The plastic film is rolled off a roll 53 and, coming from the roll 53, formed by means of at least one forming element such as, for example, a forming shoulder. By forming the plastic film, the parison 36 is formed from the plastic film sheet. For example, side portions or edges of the plastic film connected and sealed by welding so that the parison 36 is, for example, a tube. Thus, the parison 36 has the volume 40 into which the fluid can be introduced so as to inflate and expand the parison 36.

For example, in a third method step S3, the mold parts 24 and 26 are closed, and in a fourth method step S4 the inner element (parison 36) is heated and expanded by said fluid thereby pressing the pulp 72 contained in the cavity 28 against said first walls of the mold 22. Furthermore, said inner protective layer 42 is created by expanding the inner element. For example, by introducing the parison 36 into the mold 22 a production of said holding means 14 being also referred to as a handle can be realized. For example, by expanding the parison 36, at least a portion of the pulp 72 contained in the cavity 28 is pressed against at least a portion of the pulp in the second cavity 54. Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the method. In the fourth embodiment the mold 22 comprises at least one second cavity 54 for forming said holding means 14 to the article body 12, in particular to the pulp 72 forming the article body 12. For example, the second cavity 54 is filled with pulp or a prefabricated component for forming the holding means 14. For example, said prefabricated component is manufactured independently of the article body 12. Particularly, the prefabricated component is manufactured and introduced into the second cavity 54 before the article body 12 is manufactured by means of the mold 22. Alternatively, the prefabricated component can be inserted into the second cavity 54 after manufacturing the article body 12 so that the prefabricated component or the holding means 14 is formed or connected to the already manufactured article body 12.

For example, by introducing the parison 36 into the mold 22 a production of said holding means 14 being also referred to as a handle can be realized. For example, by expanding the parison 36, at least a portion of the pulp 72 contained in the cavity 28 is pressed against at least a portion of the pulp or the prefabricated component arranged in the second cavity 54 thereby connecting the pulp 72 and, thus, the article body 12 contained in the cavity 28 with the holding means 14. For example, the prefabricated component of the holding means 14 is made of pulp 72. Particularly, the holding means 14 can be made of carton or a carton tube. For example, the holding means 14, in particular the prefabricated component, is merged to the article body 12. For example, the second cavity 54 is, at least on one area, fluidically connected to the first cavity 28 so that, in particular by expanding the inner element, the pulp 72 contained in the first cavity 28 is brought into contact with the prefabricated component arranged in the second cavity thereby connecting the prefabricated component with the pulp 72 contained in the first cavity 28. Hence, the prefabricated component and thus the holding means 14 can be connected with the article body 12.

For example, the prefabricated component is a massive component which does not have any receiving space for storing said medium. Alternatively, the prefabricated component can be configured as a hollow component so that the medium to be contained or stored in the molded article 10 can be stored at least partially in the holding means 14, i.e. the hollow prefabricated component. Further, the prefabricated component can be made of plastics, rubber, etc.

Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the molded article 10. In the first embodiment of the molded article 10, the holding means 14 is configured as an open through holding means which is also referred to as an open handle, open holding means or open grip, wherein the holding means 14 is configured as a one-side connected open handle or a one-side connected through holding means. The through holding means 14 comprises at least one through opening 56. Thus, a completely open space through which a person can insert their fingers and/or thumb is created. Thus, the person can grasp the holding means 14 in a particularly comfortable way.

Since the through holding means comprises the at least one through opening 56 a person grasping the holding means 14 can wrap the fingers completely around the holding means 14 in the area of the through opening 56. Thus, the person can grasp the holding means 14 particularly tight so that the person can handle the molded article 10 via the holding means 14 particularly advantageously.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, the holding means 14 is, in its longitudinal extension, open at only one location 58. This means, the holding means 14 according to the first embodiment of the molded article 10 is not completely closed in its longitudinal extension. Therein, a first end 60 of the holding means 14 is connected to the article body 12. However, the second end 62 of the holding means 14 is not connected to the article body 12, but arranged at a distance from the article body 12, so that the through holding means 14 according to Fig. 5 is configured as a one-side connected through holding means.

Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of the molded article 10. In the second embodiment, the holding means 14 is also configured as a through holding means, i.e. an open handle, through handle, through grip or open grip. Thus, the open holding means or through holding means has at least one through opening 56 through which a person can put one or more of their fingers. However, the holding means 14 according to the second embodiment is connected to the article body 12 at both ends 60 and 62. Thus, the holding means 14 is completely closed in its longitudinal extension so that the holding means 14 is configured as a two-side connected through holding means which is also referred to as a two-side connected open handle. Moreover, the holding means 14 can be formed integral with the article body 12 so that the article body 12 and the holding means 14 can be formed in one piece. Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of the molded article 10. In the third embodiment the holding means 14 is configured as a non-through holding means which is also referred to as a closed handle, closed integral grip or closed grip. The non-through holding means does not comprise any through opening through which a person can put their fingers. The non-through holding means has lateral receptacles which are arranged on opposite sides of the holding means. From said receptacles a first one of said receptacles can be seen in Fig. 6, the first receptacle being indicated by 64. The holding means 14 has at least one insertion direction in which a person can insert at least one of their fingers into the respective receptacle. Said receptacles are also referred to as depressions. Alternatively, the holding means 14 can be configured a blown handles by, for example, using a recess in the mold 22 or a boxed handle by a boxing operation inside the mold during formation of the inner body 42.

In the non-through holding means, the holding means 14 or the respective receptacle is limited in the insertion direction by a wall 66 of the molded article 10, the wall 66 being arranged between said receptacles. Thus, said receptacles are separated from each other by means of the wall 66. The wall 66 is, for example, made of the pulp 72, wherein, for example, the wall 66 is formed in one piece with the holding means 14 and/or the article body 12. Since the wall 66 is recessed with respect to at least one wall portion 68 of the holding means 14, the wall 66 bounds or limits the respective receptacles. In other words, the wall 66 forms a bottom of the respective receptacle. Moreover, since the wall 66 is recessed with respect to the wall portion 68, a person can insert at least one of their fingers into the respective receptacle until said at least one finger comes into contact with the wall 66. Thus, the person can grasp the holding means 14 particularly tight.

Fig. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of said method. In the fifth embodiment, for example, the holding means 14 is combined with at least one stripe which can be folded to prevent hard edges. For example, the stripe is made of kraft paper or another strong material which can be introduced into the mold 22 as described with respect to Fig. 4, in particular similar to an in-mold labeling process, or applied at a later point in time.

Fig. 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the method. In the sixth embodiment the holding means 14 is configured as a hinged holding means. In other words, for example, the holding means 14 is hinged to the article body 12. Thus, the holding means 14 can be rotated about a rotation axis in relation to the article body 12. In the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the holding means 14 can be flapped down and, thus, rotate in relation to the article body 12 so that the end 62 comes into contact with a corresponding portion 70 of the article body 12, wherein the end 62 is fixed to the portion 70 via, for example, notching and/or glueing and/or welding.

Moreover, Fig. 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the method in which the holding means 14 is provided as a prefabricated component which is connected to the article body 12 after manufacturing the article body 12. In other words, the holding means 14 is produced separately and attached to the article body 12 by means of, for example, notching, glueing and/or welding.

Fig. 1 1 shows a fourth embodiment of the molded article 10. In the fourth embodiment, the molded article 10 does not comprise any holding means or grip feature.

Fig. 12 shows an eighth embodiment of the method. In the eighth embodiment the holding means 14 is provided in such a way that the holding means 14 is made of at least one piece of paper or cardboard stripe or pulp or rigid plastic. For example, the end 62 of the holding means 14 can be attached to the article body 12, in particular the portion 70, by, for example, glueing and/or notching and/or welding. At the opposite end 60, for example, the holding means 14 is also attached to the article body 12. For example, the end 60 is glued and/or notched and/or welded to the article body 12. Alternatively or additionally, the holding means 14 is attached to the article body 12 at the end 60 by at least one form fit which is, for example, created by the inlet 16 and the holding means 14 and/or the holding means 14 and the cap 18. For example, at the end 60 the holding means 14 is arranged between the article body 12 and the cap 18 so that the holding means 14 is attached to the article body 12 by means of the cap 18. Moreover, for example, the holding means 14 is rotated or screwed or snapped between the cap 18 and a thread by means of which the cap 18 can be screwed to the article body 12. In other words, for example, the holding means 14 is attached to the article body 12 by, for example, screwing and/or clamping and/or snapping.

Claims

A method for manufacturing a molded article (10) from pulp (72), wherein the article (10) comprises at least one article body (12), the method comprising at least the steps of:

- introducing pulp (72) into a mold (22), wherein the mold (22) comprises at least two movable mold parts (24, 26) which, in an assembled condition (A), form at least one cavity (28) for forming said article body (12);

- opening the mold (22) and introducing at least one parison (36) into the mold (22);

- closing the mold (22); and

- expanding the parison (36) by means of a fluid thereby pressing the pulp (72) against inner walls of the mold (22) and creating from the parison (36) an inner protective layer (42) of the molded article (10), the inner walls bounding said cavity (28).

The method according to claim 1 ,

wherein the pulp (72) is sprayed into the mold (22).

The method according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the parison (36) is made of at least one plastic material.

The method according to claim 1 or 2,

the method further comprises:

- providing at least one reservoir (44) containing at least one plastic material (46); and

- from the plastic material (46), creating the parison (36) while introducing the parison (36) into the mold (22).

The method according to claim 4,

wherein the parison (36) is created from the plastic material (46) by extruding. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two wall portions (33) of the parison (36) are connected and sealed with each other by heating and melting the wall portions with each other.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein a gas such as air, in particular compressed air, is used as the fluid.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the mold (22) comprises at least one second cavity for forming at least one holding means (14) to said article body (12) within the mold (22).

9. The method according to claim 8,

wherein the second cavity is filled with a prefabricated component for forming the holding means (14) or at least one part of the holding means (14), wherein the prefabricated component is connected to the article body (12).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,

wherein the holding means (14) is manufactured from pulp (72) and/or plastics.

1 1 . A molded article (10) made of pulp (72),

wherein the molded article (10) is manufactured by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

The molded article according to claim 1 1 ,

wherein the molded article (10) comprises at least one holding means

The molded article (10) according to claim 12,

wherein the holding means (14) is made of pulp (72).

14. The molded article (10) according to claim 12 or 13,

wherein the holding means (14) is through holding means or a non-through holding means.

15. The molded article (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the holding means (14) comprises an at least partially hollow and/or massive form.

16. The molded article (10) according any one of claims 12 to 15,

wherein the holding means (14) comprises an at least partially structured gripping surface.

17. An apparatus for manufacturing a molded article (10) made of pulp (72), the apparatus being used in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one mold (22) having at least two movable mold parts (24, 26), which, in an assembled condition (A), form at least one cavity (28) for forming said article body (12).

18. The apparatus according to claim 17,

wherein the apparatus further comprises:

- means for introducing a parison (36) into the mold (22) in an open condition of the mold (22); and

- means for inflating said parison (36) in a closed condition of the mold (22).