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WO2025120081A1 - Contenant d'élagage aérien - Google Patents

Contenant d'élagage aérien Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025120081A1
WO2025120081A1 PCT/EP2024/084918 EP2024084918W WO2025120081A1 WO 2025120081 A1 WO2025120081 A1 WO 2025120081A1 EP 2024084918 W EP2024084918 W EP 2024084918W WO 2025120081 A1 WO2025120081 A1 WO 2025120081A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fibres
type
sheet material
composite sheet
air pruning
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2024/084918
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bjarne Brun Pedersen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ellepot AS
Original Assignee
Ellepot AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ellepot AS filed Critical Ellepot AS
Publication of WO2025120081A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025120081A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/08—Devices for filling-up flower-pots or pots for seedlings; Devices for setting plants or seeds in pots
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029—Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0291—Planting receptacles specially adapted for remaining in the soil after planting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/021—Pots formed in one piece; Materials used therefor
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H3/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length
    • D04H3/015—Natural yarns or filaments
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H3/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length
    • D04H3/08—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating
    • D04H3/14—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with bonds between thermoplastic yarns or filaments produced by welding
    • D04H3/147—Composite yarns or filaments
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H3/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length
    • D04H3/08—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating
    • D04H3/14—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with bonds between thermoplastic yarns or filaments produced by welding
    • D04H3/153—Mixed yarns or filaments
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/04—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres having existing or potential cohesive properties, e.g. natural fibres, prestretched or fibrillated artificial fibres
    • D04H1/28—Regenerated cellulose series
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
    • D04H1/4326—Condensation or reaction polymers
    • D04H1/435—Polyesters
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
    • D04H1/54—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties by welding together the fibres, e.g. by partially melting or dissolving
    • D04H1/541—Composite fibres, e.g. sheath-core, sea-island or side-by-side; Mixed fibres

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to air pruning containers.
  • Root pruning is a horticultural technique used to encourage the development of healthy and robust root systems in container plants. It may be performed mechanically, chemically, or by air pruning. Mechanical pruning involves the trimming of roots on a bare root plant after lifting or shaving of pot grown plants. This technique is quite stressful to the plant as it is performed all at once and at the worst time during the transplanting operation. Usually young active roots are pruned, which are the ones that would be most useful after transplanting. Chemical pruning may e.g., be performed with a copper-based chemical as a coating on the plant container, which kills the root tips as they reach the container wall. The root ball of these plants looks a little odd when removed from the container, as very few roots are visible on its surface.
  • Air pruning utilizes air pruning containers with perforations in its walls, or air permeable wall surfaces.
  • the root grows through the container material into relatively dry air its tip is desiccated or “killed”. Once this first root is air pruned, it loses its dominance, and many secondary roots develop to replace it. These roots are then in turn air pruned and again they are replaced by even more roots. Air pruning therefore forms a root system with a very large quantity of young vigorous roots.
  • Air pruning process thereby becomes a continuous process happening at the container's walls, resulting in a dense, fibrous root system with many fine root tips, thereby enabling the plant to efficiently absorb water and nutrients.
  • Air pruning containers result in better yields, whether one is culturing ornamental plants, vegetables, or trees.
  • Air pruning containers also ensure better aeration, which helps prevent soil compaction and allows excess moisture to escape, reducing the risk of root rot.
  • Air pruning containers are particularly useful for plants that are grown in containers for extended periods, such as potted trees, shrubs, and perennials. They are also beneficial for plants that are sensitive to becoming root-bound, like many types of fruit trees, herbs, and ornamental plants.
  • Air pruning containers have gained popularity in recent years, and they are a valuable tool for container gardening, especially when you want to maximize plant health and minimize the negative effects of root circling.
  • a major drawback with the currently used air pruning containers is that they are primarily made from of non-biodegradable materials (synthetic fibers and liquid binders) that pollutes the soil.
  • biodegradable air pruning containers Although a few solutions of biodegradable air pruning containers exist, the prior solutions are known to suffer from several shortcomings, such as insufficient degradation time, issues related to insufficient wet tensile strength, and insufficient water resistance.
  • JP2002153138 discloses a degradable sheet material for forming a plant nursery block.
  • the sheet comprises biodegradable thermoplastic synthetic fibres, papermaking fibres, and polyvinyl alcohol staple fibres, and a wet strengthening agent.
  • the sheet material is impregnated or coated with a biodegradable thermoplastic resin.
  • US4963230 discloses an agricultural paper formed into pots for raising seedlings.
  • the paper is made of a first layer of natural pulp, and a second layer made of synthetic fibres having a basis weight of 3 to 15 g/m 2 .
  • the first and second layers are joined to each other by a wet paper making process, which intertwines the fibres of the two layers at their joining interface.
  • the second layer is formed by fusion bonding composite synthetic fibres of polymers having different plasticizing temperatures.
  • EP2036427 (A1) discloses a container for plant cultivation that facilitates introduction of soil for plant cultivation, can grow a lateral root without the need to increase the weight per unit area of a nonwoven fabric used, does not cause wound extension of the root, can reduce the cost, and is environmentally friendly.
  • the nonwoven fabric is made of biodegradable fibres.
  • the present invention is focused on the type comprising an envelope of paper or a similar sheet material and an associated filling of sphagnum, or a corresponding growth media.
  • growth medium refers to physical support for plant growth, or the germination of a seed to take place, providing water retention, aeration, and optionally nutrient supply.
  • growth medium may e.g., be mosses in general, sphagnum, peat moss, soil, composted bark, potting mixes, bark, vermiculite, stone wool, polymeric foam, or a corresponding substrate material.
  • the focus of the present invention is primarily on the sheet material and the idea of removing the liquid binder therefrom, solely constructing the sheet material from fibers with different functions.
  • This type of composite sheet material has shown to be particularly suitable (sufficient stiffness, tensile strength, and tear strength) for producing continuous lengths of air pruning containers (air pruning propagation pots), that are subsequently cut to single air pruning containers or lengths of air pruning containers.
  • the produced air pruning containers have been shown to have controllable biodegradation times by varying the ratio between natural fibres and synthetic fibres.
  • continuous lengths of air pruning containers refers to the production of growth medium held in an envelope of paper or a similar sheet material, which is made in a continuous line as e.g., disclosed in WO9203914.
  • the length of growth medium is thereafter cut into pieces of suitable size (height relative to the diameter), corresponding to the desired size of a propagation pot.
  • the term “propagation pot” also covers the term “plant pot”.
  • the propagation pots may e.g., be used for seedlings, seeds, flowers, and trees.
  • the air pruning capability is primarily due to the air permeability of the sheet material. As no liquid binder is present, this is preferably induced by controlling the distance between individual fibres. Alternatively, or in combination, holes may be formed by controlling the formed pattern in the woven or non-woven.
  • a first aspect relates to an air pruning container comprising:
  • the composite sheet material consists essentially of a mix of fibres, said mix of fibres comprising fibres of a first type, and fibres of a second type; wherein the fibres of a first type are selected from natural fibres; wherein a) the fibres of the second type are selected from thermoplastic bi- or multicomponent fibers; or b) the fibres of the second type are selected from thermoplastic monofilament fibers, and wherein said mix of fibres further comprises fibres of a third type, said fibres of the third type are selected from thermoplastic fibres having a relatively higher melting point than the fibres of the second type.
  • a second aspect relates to an air pruning container comprising:
  • the composite sheet material consists essentially of a mix of fibres, said mix of fibres comprising fibres of a first type, and fibres of a second type; wherein the fibres of a first type are selected from natural fibres; wherein the fibres of the second type are selected from thermoplastic bi- or multicomponent fibers.
  • thermoplastic bi- or multicomponent fibers are heat-weldable.
  • a third aspect relates to an air pruning container comprising:
  • the composite sheet material consists essentially of a mix of fibres, said mix of fibres comprising fibres of a first type, fibres of a second type, and fibres of a third type; wherein the fibres of a first type are selected from natural fibres; wherein the fibres of the second type is selected from thermoplastic monofilament fibers, and wherein said fibres of the third type are selected from thermoplastic fibres having a relatively higher melting point than the fibres of the second type.
  • fiber is to be understood as a fibrous or filamentary structure having a high aspect ratio of length to diameter.
  • the composite sheet material is preferably a nonwoven.
  • nonwoven sheet material means a sheet material that has a structure of individual fibers or threads, which are interlaid, but not in an identifiable repeating manner.
  • Nonwoven sheet materials without binder may be formed by a variety of processes such as, for example, wetlaid, drylaid, airlaid, spunlace, and hydroentangling.
  • the composite sheet material is air permeable, especially due to the lack of liquid binder, as also discussed above.
  • the composite sheet material is produced without the presence of a liquid binder.
  • the composite sheet material is produced without the presence of a binder applied in liquid form.
  • Non-limiting examples of such liquid binders may e.g., be acrylic binders, Styrene- Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Vinyl acetate-based binders (PVA, EVA), Polyurethane dispersions, Starch-based binders, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Protein-based binders (casein, soy protein), Natural rubber latex, Synthetic latex (SBR latex), Waterborne epoxy resins, Polyester resins, Sodium silicate, and Clay and mineral-based additives. All these binders are applied in liquid form during processing, even though some are initially in solid or powdered form and require preparation.
  • SBR Styrene- Butadiene Rubber
  • PVA Vinyl acetate-based binders
  • Polyurethane dispersions Starch-based binders
  • CMC Carboxymethyl cellulose
  • HEC Hydroxyethyl cellulose
  • Protein-based binders casein, soy protein
  • the composite sheet material does not comprise binders selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Vinyl acetate-based binders (PVA, EVA), Polyurethane dispersions, Starch-based binders, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Protein-based binders (casein, soy protein), Natural rubber latex, Synthetic latex (SBR latex), Waterborne epoxy resins, Polyester resins, Sodium silicate, and Clay and mineral-based additives.
  • binders selected from the group consisting of acrylic binders, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Vinyl acetate-based binders (PVA, EVA), Polyurethane dispersions, Starch-based binders, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), Protein-based binders (casein, soy protein), Natural rubber latex, Synthetic latex (SBR
  • the composite sheet material may have air permeability of at least 75 l/m 2 *s, preferably of 100 to 5000 l/m 2 *s.
  • An air permeability of at least 75 l/m 2 *s, and preferably of at least 100 l/m 2 *s enables the composite sheet material to provide the propagation pot with a sufficient breathability to enable air pruning.
  • an air permeability of more than 5000 l/m 2 *s may lead to a too open structure and the retention of the growth medium used to fill the propagation pot might not be ensured.
  • the air permeability is measured according to ISO Standard 9237 at 196 Pa and reported in litre per square meter per second (l/m 2 *s).
  • the fibers of the first type are natural fibers, and thus inherently biodegradable but when used alone they suffer from several shortcomings, such as insufficient degradation time, issues related to insufficient wet tensile strength, and insufficient water resistance.
  • Natural fibers can comprise pulped or shredded cellulose fibers, such as wood pulp, shredded wood, shredded paper (tissue, newsprint and the like), straw, cotton fiber, composted vegetation, fibrous sphagnum moss, peat moss, shredded stalks including shredded corn stalks and shredded pine straw (including needles, twigs, cones and small branches).
  • Shredded vegetation is preferably dry before shredding.
  • Protein fibers can e.g., be hair or gelatin.
  • the term “natural fiber” also encompasses modified or transformed natural polymers, such as regenerated/reconstituted cellulosic fibers.
  • biodegradable means that the referred air pruning container is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, and thereby avoids pollution.
  • cellulosic fibers as used herein describes fibers made from an organic compound derived primarily from plants, such as trees.
  • wood pulp fibers as used herein describes a type of cellulosic fiber made from a lignocellulosic fibrous material prepared by chemically or mechanically separating cellulosic fiber from plants such as trees or cotton.
  • regenerated/reconstituted cellulosic fibers as used herein describes a type of cellulosic fiber made from wood pulp using a solvent fiber spinning process. The process involves dissolving wood pulp in a solvent and spinning the resultant spinning solution into fibers. Examples of such fibers are cellulose acetate fibers, Lyocell fibers, and rayon fibers.
  • Preferred fibers of the first type are wood pulp fibers, such as hardwood fibers, softwood fibers, and combinations thereof.
  • the hardwood fibers and softwood fibers may include unbleached and bleached pulp fibers, for example northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) fibers, southern bleached softwood kraft (SBSK) fibers, or hardwood pulp, such as Eucalyptus pulp.
  • Preferred wood pulp fibers include but are not limited to softwood pulp fibers, a combination of softwood pulp fibers and hardwood fibers; bleached or unbleached mechanical pulp, recycled pulps, and blends thereof.
  • the fibres of the second type are preferably selected from thermoplastic bi- or multicomponent fibers.
  • a “Bicomponent fiber” refers to a fiber having a crosssection comprising two discrete polymer components, two discrete blends of polymer components, or one discrete polymer component and one discrete blend of polymer components.
  • a bicomponent fiber is encompassed within the term “multicomponent fiber.”
  • a bicomponent fiber may have an overall cross section divided into two or more subsections of the differing components of any shape or arrangement, including, for example, coaxial subsections, core-and-sheath subsections, side-by-side subsections, radial subsections, etc.
  • the term “Multicomponent fiber” refers to a fiber having a cross-section comprising more than one discrete polymer component, more than one discrete blend of polymer components, or at least one discrete polymer component and at least one discrete blend of polymer components.
  • the term “multicomponent fiber” encompasses, but is not limited to, a bicomponent fiber.
  • a multicomponent fiber may have an overall cross section divided into subsections of the differing components of any shape or arrangement, including, for example, coaxial subsections, core-and-sheath subsections, side-by-side subsections, radial subsections, etc.
  • Thermoplastic fibers are a type of synthetic fibers that can be bonded or fused together using heat. These fibers are designed to soften and melt at elevated temperatures, allowing them to be joined without the need for traditional binders. In the present context, they bind both the synthetic fibers and the natural fibers together.
  • the special advantage of multicomponent fibers is in this context that the strength is retained, even after welding of the fibers.
  • a particular advantageous embodiment is the use of a core-and-sheath thermoplastic fiber, where the sheath is of a thermoplastic material having a relatively lower melting point than the core of the fiber.
  • Thermoplastic fibers are typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide (nylon), or a combination of these materials. These polymers are chosen because they have a relatively low melting point, making them suitable for heat bonding.
  • Tricomponent fibers are similar to bicomponent fibers but involve three different components.
  • the third component can be used to provide additional properties or performance characteristics.
  • one component may be used for strength, another for softness, and a third for bonding.
  • sheathcore fibers one polymer forms a sheath around another core polymer.
  • side-by- side fibers two different polymers are extruded in parallel and remain separate but adjacent. When heated, the adjacent polymers can partially fuse together, creating a heat-welded bond. These fibers are used in applications where both components need to maintain their distinct characteristics.
  • Island-in-the-Sea Fibers consist of one polymer forming "islands" within a matrix or "sea" of another polymer.
  • the sea component typically has a lower melting point and acts as a binder when heat is applied.
  • Non-limiting examples of multicomponent fibers are: Polyester/Polyethylene (PE/PET) - A bicomponent fiber with a sheath of polyethylene (PE) and a core of polyester (PET). The lower melting point of PE allows for heat bonding, while PET provides strength and durability.
  • PE Polyethylene
  • PET polyester
  • Polypropylene/Polyethylene Polypropylene provides strength and stiffness, while polyethylene allows for heat-welding.
  • Polyester/Polyamide Polyamide (PA) has a lower melting point compared to polyester (PET). When heat is applied, the polyamide component softens and can be used to bond the fibers together. The polyester component provides strength and durability to the fiber.
  • Polyester/Polypropylene/Polyethylene (PE/PET/PP): Tricomponent fibers may combine the strength of polyester with the heat-welding capability of polypropylene and polyethylene.
  • Polyester/Polyurethane (Pll/PET): The polyurethane component provides elasticity and can be heat-welded to create stretchable materials.
  • Polypropylene/Polyethylene Terephthalate (PP/PET): The PP component can be heat-welded, while PET provides strength and durability.
  • Polyethylene/Polypropylene/Polyethylene (PE/PP/PE) Tricomponent fibers with a polyethylene sheath and core and polypropylene inner sheath can be used where durability and heat-welding are necessary.
  • PLA Polylactic Acid Blends (such as PLA/Co-PLA, and PLA/PBS): PLA can be used as the sheath or the core and combined with other polymers that have higher or lower melting points to create heat-weldable fibers, especially for biodegradable applications.
  • PLA Polylactic Acid
  • Co-PLA low melting point PLA
  • the sheath can be designed to melt and act as the binder while the core remains intact, providing structural support.
  • PBS polybutylene succinate
  • PLA is used as the core.
  • the fibres of the second type are preferably selected from thermoplastic monofilament fibers, and wherein the fibres of the third type are selected from thermoplastic fibres having a relatively higher melting point than the fibres of the second type.
  • the term “monofilament fiber” as used herein refers to a fiber constructed essentially of a single material.
  • thermoplastic fiber refers to a synthetic fiber comprising a thermoplastic material.
  • synthetic fiber refers to fibers made from fiber-forming substances including polymers synthesized from chemical compounds.
  • the thermoplastic fibers typically have a length within the range of 0.5 mm to 35 mm, preferably of less than 20 mm.
  • the synthetic fibers may further have a linear mass within the range of 0.1 to 2.0 decitex (Dtex), preferably within the range of 0.5 to 1.8 Dtex.
  • the preferred fiber types have a linear mass within the range of 0.1 to 2.0 decitex (Dtex), preferably within the range of 0.5 to 1.8 Dtex.
  • the preferred fiber types typically have a length within the range of 0.5 mm to 35 mm, preferably of less than 20 mm.
  • the composite sheet material has a grammage within the range of 10 to 100 g/m 2 .
  • the composite sheet material has a thickness of 50- 400 micrometres at 100 kPa, measured according to ISO Standard 534:1988.
  • the composite sheet material has a grammage within the range of 15 to 40 g/m 2 , and a thickness of 40-180 micrometres at 100 kPa, measured according to ISO Standard 534:1988.
  • the composite sheet material has a grammage within the range of 40 to 300 g/m 2 , and a thickness of 180-400 micrometres at 100 kPa, measured according to ISO Standard 534:1988.
  • the resulting composite sheet material will exhibit a wet tensile strength in the Machine Direction of at least 100 N/m, preferably of at least 150 N/m, more preferably within the range of 150 N/m to 1000 N/m; or a wet tensile strength in the Cross Direction of at least 50 N/m, preferably of at least 70 N/m, more preferably within the range of 110 N/m to 500 N/m.
  • the resulting composite sheet material will have a grammage within the range of 15 to 60 g/m 2 , preferably within the range of 17 to 40 g/m 2 . In one or more embodiments, the composite sheet material has a grammage within the range of 15 to 60 g/m 2 , preferably within the range of 17 to 40 g/m 2 , and preferably a thickness of 40-180 micrometres at 100 kPa, measured according to ISO Standard 534:1988.
  • the resulting composite sheet material will typically exhibit a degradation time of at least 70 days, preferably 100 days, in soil.
  • the composite sheet material may have a dry tensile strength at least 4 N/50 mm, typically at least 5 N/50 mm, when measured after degradation time of 70 days according to the degradation test disclosed in the Experimental section (dry tensile strength as a function of degradation time).
  • the biodegradable nonwoven sheet disclosed herein may be employed for forming biodegradable propagation plugs, such as plant pots, such as propagation pots for flowers and trees.
  • the fibres of the second type are according to option a), and wherein the composite sheet material consists of 10-90% w/w of the fibres of the first type, and 10-90% w/w of the fibres of the second type.
  • At least one of the components of the thermoplastic bi- or multicomponent fibers is a polyethylene terephthalate formulated with an additive adapted for enhancing the biodegradability thereof, such as enzymes (e.g., a PET hydrolase), transition metal salts (e.g., cobalt or manganese salts), biodegradable plasticizers, photodegradable additives (e.g., UV-sensitive additives), and peroxides.
  • enzymes e.g., a PET hydrolase
  • transition metal salts e.g., cobalt or manganese salts
  • biodegradable plasticizers e.g., polyethylene terephthalate
  • photodegradable additives e.g., UV-sensitive additives
  • peroxides e.g., UV-sensitive additives
  • At least one of the components of the thermoplastic bi- or multicomponent fibers is a polypropylene formulated with an additive adapted for enhancing the biodegradability thereof, such as enzymes (e.g., a PETase), transition metal salts (e.g., cobalt or manganese salts), biodegradable plasticizers, photodegradable additives (e.g., UV-sensitive additives), and peroxides.
  • the fibres of the second type are according to option b), and wherein the composite sheet material consists of 10-90% w/w of the fibres of the first type, 5-45% w/w of the fibres of the second type, and 5-45% w/w of the fibres of the third type.
  • the composite sheet material has an air permeability of at least 75-5000 l/m 2 *s, measured according to ISO Standard 9237 at 196 Pa.
  • the composite sheet material is made as a single layer, i.e., not made by assembling multiple layers.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system for producing an air pruning container in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a system for producing air pruning containers in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
  • an amount of sphagnum or a corresponding substrate material 2 supplied on a conveyor belt 4 forwardly conveying towards the end of a suction funnel 6.
  • the suction funnel 6 projects into a first part 8 of a conveyor pipe. It is not decisive how the sphagnum is supplied to the first part 8 of the conveyor pipe, as long as it is a continuous delivery.
  • the first part 8 of the conveyor pipe extends into a folding zone 12, in which a composite sheet material 14 according to the present invention is supplied from a storage reel 16 and successively wrapped about the first part 8 of the conveyor pipe and continues into a second part 20 of the conveyor pipe.
  • the composite sheet material 14 continues into the second part 20 of the conveyor pipe through a narrow annular slot 18 (holding means 26 is arranged for fixing of the pipe parts in this area) to form an inner lining hose in the second part 20 of the conveyor pipe.
  • the composite sheet material 14 may preferably comprise a hot melt adhesive supplied to at least a part of a face of the composite sheet material 14. The hot melt is activated in a heating station 24, whereby the composite sheet material 14 is stabilized in its hose shape for further advancing inside the second part 20 of the conveyor pipe.
  • Basis Weight The basis weight is measured according to TAPPI Standard T410 and reported in grams per sguare meter (g/m 2 ).
  • Air Permeability The air permeability is measured according to ISO Standard 9237 at 196 Pa and reported in liter per sguare meter per second (l/m 2 *s).
  • Thickness at 100 kPa The thickness at 100 kPa is measured according to ISO Standard 534:1988 and reported in micrometers (pm).
  • Dry tensile strength The tensile strength was measured according to TAPPI Standard T494 om-96 with the following modifications: 50 mm strips were used, the initial jaw distance was 127 mm, and the break force value was recorded as the maximum of the recorded force curve instead of 25 mm strip and reported in Newtons per meter (N/m). The dry tensile strength is measured both in Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Direction (CD). The arithmetic average of machine direction and cross direction is also given.
  • MD Machine Direction
  • CD Cross Direction
  • wet tensile strength was measured according to TAPPI T494 om-96 as described here-above for the dry tensile. The further modification is that the measure is performed after an immersion of 10 minutes under 2 cm water at 23°C. The wet tensile strength is measured both in MD and CD.
  • the decrease in wet tensile strength of the nonwoven composite sheet material over time is a strong indicator for the degradation time of the air pruning container.
  • Test setup The sheet of the nonwoven composite sheet material to be tested is cut into smaller sheets (105 mm x 50 mm), folded into a cylinder, and sealed with adhesive (here tape).
  • the cylinder has a diameter of approximately 30 mm and a height of approximately 50 mm. It is filled with a peat substrate as used by many growers and irrigated. The pots are placed in a tray under plastic cover to lower evaporation.
  • the nonwoven composite sheet material is placed in the two grippers and the lever is moved until the nonwoven breaks.
  • the wet tensile strength is measured, the dried nonwoven composite sheet material is immersed under 2 cm water at 23°C for 10 minutes prior to testing. The tests are performed on the MD of the sheet material.
  • the tensiometer is set to measure peak strength in Newton. Measured values are noted and registered in a spreadsheet. Most of the sample tests were based on 28 pots, which provide measurement period of 14 weeks. Some samples were measured every two weeks providing a longer period of measurement. Only some of the results are shown in the following.
  • Table 1 discloses test results of air pruning containers where the nonwoven composite sheet material (grammage of 30 g/m 2 and a thickness of 200-250 microns) is made from a varying mixes of wood pulp fibers, lyocell fibers, and liquid binder.
  • the shown examples (BE390-BE429) have different initial wet tensile strengths of within the range of 221-509 N/m, MD (shown below the sample name) (equivalent to 11-25 N/50 mm, MD).
  • the corresponding dry tensile strengths are shown under “Day 0”.
  • the shown values are in Newton per 50 mm, MD. Only dry tensile strengths are shown for Days 7-70.
  • Dry tensile strengths above 130 N/m (all values are multiplied by a factor of 20 to convert N/50 mm to N/m) are maintained even after 70 days.
  • the objective is to produce an air pruning container that can hold a certain strength for this period, also allowing it to be handled by workers without collapsing.
  • This strength is estimated to be equal to the composite sheet material of the air pruning container having a dry tensile strength above 80 N/m and maintained even after 70 days of use.
  • thermoplastic bicomponent fiber may be used to replace the liquid binder and at least a part of the reinforcing fiber (here the PET fibers).
  • a first composite sheet material (#1) was prepared as the standard, but only replacing the content of PET fibres with a thermoplastic bicomponent fiber (here a PLA/Co-PLA from Trevira GmbH).
  • a second composite sheet material (#2) was also prepared as the standard but here replacing both the content of PET fibres as well as the liquid binder with the thermoplastic bicomponent fiber. The results are shown in Table 2.
  • the shown values are measured dry tensile strengths in Newton per 50 mm, MD. All three composite sheet materials had a grammage of 26 g/m 2 and a thickness of 200-250 microns.
  • the first composite sheet material (#1) showed almost identical results as the standard type, indicating that a thermoplastic bicomponent fiber could replace thermoplastic monofilament fibers without noticeable differences in initial dry tensile strength as well as degradation times.
  • Air pruning containers where the “cover” is a nonwoven made entirely of wood pulp fibres had previously been found to disintegrate after only 30 days (a dry tensile strength below 3 Newton per 50 mm, MD).
  • the inventor prepared two new formulas (#3, and #4), where the wood pulp fibers in formula #2 were replaced by regenerated cellulose fibres and with varying amounts of the two components. This was performed to test if the bicomponent fiber effect was also present for this type of natural fibres.
  • Formula #3 consisted of 15% w/w of the bicomponent fiber and 85% w/w of the regenerated cellulose fibres
  • formula #4 consisted of 25% w/w of the bicomponent fiber and 87% w/w of the regenerated cellulose fibres.
  • Air pruning containers where the “cover” is a nonwoven made entirely of regenerated cellulose fibres had previously been found to disintegrate after 40 days, i.e., a little longer degradation life than the cover of wood pulp fibres (30 days).
  • thermoplastic bicomponent fiber in the form of a PLA/PBS from Trevira GmbH showed similar results. While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des contenants d'élagage aérien comprenant une enveloppe de matériau en feuille composite, et un remplissage associé de milieux de croissance. Le matériau en feuille composite est un non-tissé constitué essentiellement d'un mélange de fibres d'un premier type, et de fibres d'un second type. Les fibres d'un premier type sont choisies parmi les fibres naturelles, et a) les fibres du second type sont choisies parmi les fibres thermoplastiques bi- ou multicomposants ; ou b) les fibres du second type sont choisies parmi les fibres monofilaments thermoplastiques. Ledit mélange de fibres comprend en outre des fibres d'un troisième type, lesdites fibres du troisième type sont choisies parmi les fibres thermoplastiques ayant un point de fusion relativement plus élevé que les fibres du second type. Le matériau en feuille composite a une épaisseur comprise entre 180 et 400 micromètres à 100 kPa, mesurée selon la norme ISO 534 : 1988.
PCT/EP2024/084918 2023-12-07 2024-12-05 Contenant d'élagage aérien Pending WO2025120081A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA202330375A DK202330375A1 (en) 2023-12-07 2023-12-07 Air pruning container
DKPA202330375 2023-12-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025120081A1 true WO2025120081A1 (fr) 2025-06-12

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PCT/EP2024/084918 Pending WO2025120081A1 (fr) 2023-12-07 2024-12-05 Contenant d'élagage aérien

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DK (1) DK202330375A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2025120081A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4963230A (en) 1986-07-29 1990-10-16 Oji Paper Company Ltd. Agricultural paper and process for producing the same
WO1992003914A1 (fr) 1990-09-03 1992-03-19 Ellegaard Oeyvind Procede et systeme de fabrication de corps en forme de blocs a partir de matieres non cohesives telles que le sphagnum
JP2002153138A (ja) 2000-09-07 2002-05-28 Mishima Paper Co Ltd 育苗ブロック成形用生分解性シート材
EP2036427A1 (fr) 2006-06-19 2009-03-18 Green Support, Inc. Récipient pour la culture de plantes
WO2015067272A1 (fr) * 2013-11-05 2015-05-14 Ellegaard Holding A/S Méthode de fabrication d'un réceptacle de plante ainsi que réceptacle de plante
WO2018007092A1 (fr) * 2016-07-06 2018-01-11 Ellepot A/S Utilisation d'un matériau de feuille composite perméable à l'air destinée à des bouchons de propagation pour la production organique
US20180084734A1 (en) * 2016-09-28 2018-03-29 High Caliper Growing, Inc. Self-supporting fabric pot and method of manufacturing the same

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0082653B1 (fr) * 1981-12-11 1986-08-13 The Wiggins Teape Group Limited Pot de plantes ainsi que procédé pour sa fabrication
CN102763575B (zh) * 2012-07-08 2013-10-16 河北联合大学 育苗容器成型机

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4963230A (en) 1986-07-29 1990-10-16 Oji Paper Company Ltd. Agricultural paper and process for producing the same
WO1992003914A1 (fr) 1990-09-03 1992-03-19 Ellegaard Oeyvind Procede et systeme de fabrication de corps en forme de blocs a partir de matieres non cohesives telles que le sphagnum
JP2002153138A (ja) 2000-09-07 2002-05-28 Mishima Paper Co Ltd 育苗ブロック成形用生分解性シート材
EP2036427A1 (fr) 2006-06-19 2009-03-18 Green Support, Inc. Récipient pour la culture de plantes
WO2015067272A1 (fr) * 2013-11-05 2015-05-14 Ellegaard Holding A/S Méthode de fabrication d'un réceptacle de plante ainsi que réceptacle de plante
WO2018007092A1 (fr) * 2016-07-06 2018-01-11 Ellepot A/S Utilisation d'un matériau de feuille composite perméable à l'air destinée à des bouchons de propagation pour la production organique
US20180084734A1 (en) * 2016-09-28 2018-03-29 High Caliper Growing, Inc. Self-supporting fabric pot and method of manufacturing the same

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