Cushioning Nuggets

A method and an apparatus for packaging articles has been described where the packages are cushioned with biodegradable, starch-based materials. These materials are initially packed as loose nuggets within the package, an afterwards in situ converted to a single, imitary cushion to protect the article (20). 

A basic problem associated with the use of cushioning materials is their loose disposition within the package that is holding the article. The materials are subject to movement and shifting due to handling. When the package is opened, the loose fill also creates clean up and disposal problems. 

Another commonly used technique is to use in situ foaming of e.g. poly(urethane) (PU) (21). However, PU is not considered as 

A method for the packaging an article in a container, comprises basically the following steps (20)  

An apparatus for carrying out this method for packaging tasks has been described in detail (20). 

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