Kansas Patent of the Month – June 2021
Agricultural fibers – from plants and the like – are great materials for the structure of paper. When compressed, they can be manufactured easily and quickly, and offer a negative carbon footprint solution. However, as is the nature of plant based materials, they have a limitation when it comes to water. Some paper products are used in conditions where they are exposed to weather. For instance, Kraft paper is often used in packaging operations, between layers of palletized products. If these pallets are left outside they may be exposed to rain and the Kraft paper can fall apart. Agriboard International, LLC. has developed a coating that can produce a degree of water resistance, thereby enhancing the paper product’s structure.
Their coating is based on a polymeric formulation capable of bonding when overtop of a cellulose based structure – like Kraft paper. Their coating consists of a styrene butadiene copolymer, in addition to calcium carbonate particles, and a cellulose ether combined in an aqueous solution. The paper is coated in the formulation, allowed to dry and then used as usual. When water contacts the coated paper product, it simply pools and runs off rather than being absorbed into the cellulosic material.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.