Moisture Regulating Element for Use In Packaging

Abstract

A moisture-regulating element for use in packaging is claimed, which comprises a layer of pulp fibres and optionally further layers, characterized in that the element contains means which are able to regulate the moisture content. The moisture-regulating element may be used in packaging for the transport and other storage of moisture-sensitive products or can serve as such, in order to store these products under optimal moisture conditions.

1 . A moisture-regulating element for use in packaging, the element comprising a layer of pulp fibres and optionally further layers, characterized in that the element contains means for regulating the moisture content. 
     
     
         2 . The element of  claim 1 , in which the means for regulating the moisture content is selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts, sugars, starches or modified starch products, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of alcohols, silicates, polymers, gel-forming polymers, super-absorbent polymers, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The element of  claim 2 , in which the inorganic salts are selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, zinc chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium chloride and calcium oxide. 
     
     
         4 . The element of  claim 2 , in which the sugars are selected from the group consisting of fructose, glucose and saccharose. 
     
     
         5 . The element of  claim 2 , in which the alcoholates are of glycerine or glycol. 
     
     
         6 . The element of  claim 2 , in which the silicate is a silica gel, zeolite, kaolin or bentonite. 
     
     
         7 . The element of  claim 1 , further comprising a base layer is arranged above or below the layer of pulp fibres. 
     
     
         8 . The element of  claim 7 , further comprising a covering layer arranged on a side opposite the base layer. 
     
     
         9 . The element of  claim 8 , in which the base layer and the covering layer are the same or different and are a nonwoven or tissue. 
     
     
         10 . The element of  claim 8 , characterized in that a further layer that is impermeable to liquids is arranged on the base layer and/or the covering layer. 
     
     
         11 . The element of  claim 10 , characterized in that the layer of pulp fibres is substantially built up from irregularly arranged pulp fibres which, in some areas, are connected to one another by pressing while compacting the pulp fibres in the pressed areas. 
     
     
         12 . The element of  claim 11 , in which the pulp fibres in the pressed areas are pressed with the application of heat. 
     
     
         13 . The element of  claim 10 , in which the further layer is one of cotton, nonwoven or perforated film. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled)