Plastfilmsöppningar till Tetra Paks förpackningar
En teknisk introduktion och tidig konceptutveckling
This master thesis is an early concept development project about using plastic films and sheets as materials for shaping openings for Tetra Pak packages. It is also a technical introduction highlighting the areas of importance for the development of plastic film and sheets openings. The master thesis has been carried out as a co-operation between Chalmers University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Tetra Pak AB.The master thesis study presents an introduction that gives an understanding of the technical complexities and design possibilities of using thin plastic films and sheets in liquid carton openings. The knowledge is then transferred into five design concepts which points out the areas of opportunity. The technical introduction is widespread and extensive covering current packing trends, the liquid carton package and openings, thermoplastic material properties, and thin film and sheet manufacturing and shaping. It also covers the needs and wants of the liquid food package and its opening stated by production, distribution, the food retail market, consumers, as well as the environment. A chapter on consumer-product interaction and product design theory is also included in the technical study. The concept development process was striving towards diversity in openings solutions. This is reflected in the final openings suggestions presented in this report.Plastic film and sheet openings for liquid cartons have great potential for the future. This is mostly due to the ability to achieve high opening size per cost unit ratios. Plastic film and sheet openings are also suited for integrating the opening with the package identity and are enabling pioneering package opening functions.This report is a comprehensive study functioning as a valuable foundation for further development within the plastic film and sheet opening solution area for liquid carton packages.