Formable paper for new packaging applications

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is investigating the possibilities of making formable carton board formed like plastic in a deep draw process. The formability properties of carton board are tested using a specially designed formability tester that replicates the actual deep draw process in 2D. The main variable limiting the use of carton board as raw material in deep draw processes like plastic is the lack of adequate elongation. This paper deals with how moisture and temperature can be used to affect the elongation of carton board. A number of other variables that are commonly known to affect strain are also investigated. The greatest enhancements to strain at break were achieved by optimizing the forming condition during forming and drying sheets without restrains.