Method for manufacturing a compostable plate

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a compostable plate which comprises: a step of manufacturing a supporting layer made of compostable cardboard; a step of printing at least one portion to be printed of the supporting layer made of compostable cardboard in order to obtain at least one respective printed portion, the step of printing being carried out using compostable inks; a step of spreading, at least over the surface that defines the at least one printed portion, a compostable biopolymer in order to provide a protective layer; a step of forming in order to provide a compostable plate, the step of forming comprising a thermoforming by insertion, between a male mold part and a female mold part, of the supporting layer which has the printed portion or portions and the protective layer.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . A method for manufacturing a compostable plate which comprises:
 a step of manufacturing a supporting layer made of compostable cardboard;   a step of printing at least one portion to be printed of said supporting layer made of compostable cardboard in order to obtain at least one respective printed portion, said step of printing being carried out using compostable inks;   a step of spreading, at least over the surface that defines said at least one printed portion, a compostable biopolymer in order to provide a protective layer;   a step of forming in order to provide a compostable plate, said step of forming comprising a thermoforming by insertion, between a male mold part and a female mold part, of said supporting layer which has the printed portion or portions and the protective layer.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said thermoforming is performed at a temperature comprised between 60° C. and 75° C. as regards the male mold part and between 120° C. and 130° C. as regards the female mold part. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said male mold part has a coupling surface which is designed to press against the protective layer, said coupling surface of the male mold part having a plastic coating that is adapted to limit a temperature of said coupling surface. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said plastic coating comprises a layer of Teflon. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said compostable biopolymer used to provide said protective layer is mixed, prior to the step of spreading, with a master batch of granules which is adapted to fluidify the biopolymer and to facilitate the step of spreading. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said step of printing is carried out using a compostable ink that is free from amines.