Sonoco Development, Inc. recently secured a major technological breakthrough with the issuance of U.S. Patent No. US12774126B2. This patent, titled ‘Container construction with flexible liner and one-way valve’, introduces a powerful way to package outgassing products securely. Manufacturers can now preserve freshness and prevent package deformation with an integrated, paper-based design that accommodates gas release without compromising the container’s structural integrity.
SOUTH CAROLINA PATENT OF THE MONTH – NOVEMBER 2026
The innovation focuses on a container design comprising a paper-based sidewall and a removable flexible membrane that incorporates a one-way valve. Inventors Sabrina V. Dixon-Garrett and Lawrence Robert Carpenter engineered this system to vent built-up gases from within the flexible liner while preventing external air from entering the package. This setup allows for reliable and efficient preservation of sensitive materials like coffee or other gas-emitting products.
Award Recognition by Swanson Reed
This invention was granted the South Carolina Patent of the Month for November 2026 by Swanson Reed because it demonstrates exceptional novelty and technical advancement in packaging technology. By successfully resolving the technical uncertainty surrounding the effective integration of a one-way valve into a flexible liner within a rigid paper-based container, the patent showcases a profound process of experimentation. Swanson Reed recognized its high potential for market influence, particularly in protecting consumer goods while utilizing sustainable and reliable paper-based materials.
R&D Tax Credit Eligibility
The practical applications of this patent present significant opportunities for companies to claim the Research and Development Tax Credit in the USA. If a business applies this technology to develop custom packaging solutions or integrated manufacturing processes for specialized containers, the engineering phases will require iterative testing, material compatibility modeling, and prototype development to ensure accurate valve performance. These development efforts directly satisfy the requirements of resolving technical uncertainties and undergoing a process of experimentation. Consequently, companies can qualify for tax credits to offset the costs of wages, supplies, and contractor fees incurred while bringing these advanced packaging solutions to market.
