Biodegradable disposable container, a process for its manufacture and a process for recovering and re-using its components

Abstract

Biodegradable disposable container, of the type comprised by a plurality of layers, by comprising an inner layer formed in a lacquer, an intermediate layer formed in a gelatin and an outer layer formed in a lacquer. Preferably, said lacquer constituting the inner and outer layers is a marine lacquer. Preferably, said gelatin constituting the intermediate layer is a hardened animal gelatin.

1 . Biodegradable disposable container, of the type comprised by a plurality of layers, characterized by comprising an inner layer formed in a lacquer, an intermediate layer formed in a gelatin and an outer layer comprised by a lacquer; the lacquer constituting said inner and outer layers is a marine lacquer the gelatin constituting said intermediate layer in a hardened animal gelatin.  
   
   
       2 . Container as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that on the inner face of the inner layer a film of suitable material is provided to contact the contents of the container.  
   
   
       3 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the outer layer incorporates a suitable treatment for preserving the properties of the product contained.  
   
   
       4 . Process for manufacturing the container of  claim 1 , characterized by the steps of: 
 1) preparing the die for shaping the container from a layer of hardened animal gelatin layer; and    2) immersing the container thus formed into a lacquer for obtaining total coating of said gelatin layer.    
   
   
       5 . Process as claimed in  claim 4 , characterized by further comprising the step of: 
 3) applying an inner film in contact with the inner container layer, having features suitable for being in contact with the product to be packed.    
   
   
       6 . Process as claimed in  claim 4 , characterized by comprising the step of: 
 4) treating the outer surface of the outer layer with an element suitable for preserving the properties of the content.    
   
   
       7 . Process for recovering and re-utilizing the components of the container of  claim 1 , obtained through the process of  claim 4 , characterized by the steps of: 
 1) breaking said container;    2) placing the container pieces into an electrolysis and heating pool at a temperature of 60-70° C.;    3) adding sulphuric acid and applying electric power; and    4) separating and recovering components through density difference.    
   
   
       8 . Process as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that in the first step breakage of the containers is carried out by a mechanical means such as a mill powered by an endless belt.